In the world of rugby league, speculation is rife about the future of one of the game's brightest stars, Nathan Cleary. The champion halfback has achieved much in his career so far, but according to Andrew Johns, there's one major milestone left for Cleary to conquer: owning a State of Origin series.
Johns, a renowned expert in the sport, believes that once Cleary achieves this feat, his future may lie overseas. With his contract expiring soon and his father, Ivan, announcing his departure from the Penrith Panthers, the question of Nathan's next move is a hot topic.
One intriguing possibility is a move to the Papua New Guinea Chiefs, where tax-free salaries and the presence of his former teammate Jarome Luai could be enticing. However, Johns suggests that England might be a more likely destination, given Cleary's partner's involvement in football there.
"I think there would be more interest to go to England," Johns said. "Whether there's an option in rugby union in Europe or playing in the Super League, it's a real possibility."
Despite his success in the NRL, Cleary's representative performances have been a topic of debate. With a record of 8 wins and 9 losses in 17 Origin games, critics question his dominance at that level.
"He's done everything here, we know that," Johns added. "But if he can truly own an Origin series, that would be a remarkable achievement and a fitting end to his NRL career."
The impact of Ivan Cleary's departure from the Panthers cannot be understated. His successor, Peter Wallace, faces a challenging task in maintaining the club's success.
"It's like following Bradman into bat," Johns likened the situation to cricket's greatest batsman. "Wallace has a tough act to follow, and with several key players also off contract, it's an uncertain time for the Panthers."
As the Panthers sit atop the NRL ladder, the future of the club and its star players is a fascinating subplot to the ongoing season. Will Nathan Cleary stay and become a one-club man, or will he follow his father's footsteps and seek new challenges abroad? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the decisions made by Cleary and the Panthers will have a significant impact on the future of rugby league.
