The Wests Tigers reportedly considered a three-year package worth $9 million to bring Nathan Cleary and Mary Fowler to clubs owned by the same organisation.
The Daily Telegraph reported that Cleary would join the Tigers and Fowler would play for the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League Women.
The proposed deal was valued at $3 million per season, with $1.7 million for Cleary and $1.3 million for Fowler.
The A-League's marquee player allowance could have helped make the move possible, according to the report.
Tigers chief executive Shaun Mielekamp reportedly devised the plan, which Holman Barnes boss Daniel Paton approved.
Holman Barnes Group owns both the Wests Tigers and the Mariners.
Fowler plays for Manchester City, and she and Cleary maintain a long-distance relationship.
Some fans questioned whether the 23-year-old would leave the English club, with one writing: "From Manchester City to Central Coast??? Seriously."
Another asked: "She's 23 and coming into her prime, why would she leave playing against the best players in the world?"
Others praised the Tigers' idea, though one noted: "That's actually smart to try that. She earns more over in England though."
Cleary became a free agent for 2028 on November 1, but reports say he is set to re-sign with Penrith.
The PNG Chiefs reportedly offered him $8.4 million over three years when tax breaks and third-party deals were included.
Cleary has reportedly told his management he will not leave Penrith, despite the Chiefs' offer exceeding $8 million.