Nathan Cleary, the halfback for the Penrith Panthers and NSW Blues, has made it clear that joining the New Zealand Warriors isn't on his radar as his contract nears its end.
His brother, Jett Cleary, currently plays for the Warriors and is steadily progressing toward a first-grade debut.
If Nathan were to join the Warriors, he would instantly take the number seven jersey. There have been discussions about the potential of him playing alongside his brother in the city where he spent part of his childhood, especially given their father Ivan's coaching history with the Warriors.
However, during a conversation with News Corp, Nathan clarified his stance, indicating that he hasn't made any moves towards considering a contract with the Warriors. If he reaches November 1, it's unlikely that he will choose them as his new team.
"I still don't know. I'm still in the process of thinking it over. I'm not sure yet," Cleary remarked to NewsWire when asked about his future.
"I wasn't born in Auckland, but I grew up a fair bit there and I will admit I was a Warriors fan growing up.
"But at the end of the day, even if that was an option, I'd be blocking my little brother's pathway. I'm not too sure about that.
"I want to put a bit more thought into it. The last few weeks there has been a bit of a comedown from Origin, and I've been trying to get back into routine with the boys and get back into consistent training.
"That sort of (contract) stuff will work itself out in the background."