'Keen to come': Nathan Cleary in staggering rugby defection claim as NRL exodus looms

Giant contract offer on the table as Cleary weighs up future

Rumours have swirled for months that the star halfback could be set to leave the NRL for rugby, and now a bombshell report claims he is 'keen' to make the switch.

The Daily Telegraph reports that Cleary has been offered a staggering $1.2 million-a-season deal by an unnamed English club, and that he is seriously considering the offer.

Cleary is contracted to the Penrith Panthers until the end of 2024, but the report claims that he is unhappy with the club's direction and is looking for a new challenge.

The Panthers have been one of the most successful teams in the NRL in recent years, but they have failed to win a premiership since 2021 and Cleary is said to be frustrated by the club's lack of progress.

The report claims that Cleary is 'keen' to come to rugby, and that he believes he could be a success in the 15-man code.

Cleary is one of the most talented players in the NRL, and his potential defection to rugby would be a major blow to the code.

The 24-year-old has played 145 NRL games and has scored 106 tries and 551 goals.

He has also represented New South Wales and Australia, and was named the Dally M Halfback of the Year in 2021.

Cleary's defection to rugby would follow a number of other high-profile NRL players who have made the switch in recent years, including Sonny Bill Williams, Jarryd Hayne and Sam Burgess.

The NRL has been struggling to retain its best players in recent years, and Cleary's defection would be a major blow to the code's credibility.