Dad leaves door open for Cleary rugby switch

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary says he is unclear on son Nathan's sporting future amid speculation the halfback could be eyeing a move to rugby union.
Nathan Cleary, one of the NRL's best players, is contracted at Penrith until the end of 2027.
Reports Cleary may be interested in rugby union emerged last week, when Wallabies legend Tim Horan said the Penrith star was "quite keen" to switch codes.
Ivan Cleary wouldn't rule out the possibility of the NSW halfback exploring the rival code but was firm that father and son would remain united until the end of his contract.
"Nathan's here for another two years so that's where he's gonna be," Ivan Cleary said on Friday.
"Nath's a pretty open-minded kid but that's down the track maybe, who knows?
"But he's contracted here for another two years so that's what he's doing."
The Penrith coach even weighed in on whether his son would make an effective flyhalf should he choose to change to the 15-a-side game.
"I don't think he's ever played (rugby union)," Ivan Cleary said.
"He'd just have to avoid all the rucks, just kick and goal kick I suppose and he'd go alright."
But Cleary senior rubbished the notion that winning three State of Origin series and four premierships meant the 27-year-old had nothing left to prove in league.
"I don't think so at all, not that I've ever spoken to him about it," Cleary said.
"Just watching him play every week, he's always trying to get better and loves what he's doing."
The Panthers take on Wests Tigers on Sunday and hope to build on momentum started with their gritty 18-10 win over Parramatta in round 13.
It will be the first time Penrith have faced Tigers recruits Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva since they were part of the Panthers' fourth straight premiership.
The Penrith coach highlighted how changes in Luai's approach have helped lift the previously struggling Tigers (13th) above Penrith (15th) on the ladder.
"Probably started last year when (Luai) started kicking the ball more, his kicking game has definitely improved over the last couple of years," Cleary said.
"Touching the ball more, being around both sides of the footy and just being generally dangerous."
The coach said it wouldn't be too strange coming up against his old charges, and his team's focus was on preventing a Tigers ambush at Commbank Stadium on Sunday.
"We loved them, they were a big part of our team and (Jarome) was certainly one of those," Cleary said.
"It makes it interesting for sure but Tigers, generally speaking, our games against them are always tough.
"They tend to bring their best against us and I'm sure it'll be the same this week."
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary says he is unclear on son Nathan's sporting future amid speculation the halfback could be eyeing a move to rugby union.
Nathan Cleary, one of the NRL's best players, is contracted at Penrith until the end of 2027.
Reports Cleary may be interested in rugby union emerged last week, when Wallabies legend Tim Horan said the Penrith star was "quite keen" to switch codes.
Ivan Cleary wouldn't rule out the possibility of the NSW halfback exploring the rival code but was firm that father and son would remain united until the end of his contract.
"Nathan's here for another two years so that's where he's gonna be," Ivan Cleary said on Friday.
"Nath's a pretty open-minded kid but that's down the track maybe, who knows?
"But he's contracted here for another two years so that's what he's doing."
The Penrith coach even weighed in on whether his son would make an effective flyhalf should he choose to change to the 15-a-side game.
"I don't think he's ever played (rugby union)," Ivan Cleary said.
"He'd just have to avoid all the rucks, just kick and goal kick I suppose and he'd go alright."
But Cleary senior rubbished the notion that winning three State of Origin series and four premierships meant the 27-year-old had nothing left to prove in league.
"I don't think so at all, not that I've ever spoken to him about it," Cleary said.
"Just watching him play every week, he's always trying to get better and loves what he's doing."
The Panthers take on Wests Tigers on Sunday and hope to build on momentum started with their gritty 18-10 win over Parramatta in round 13.
It will be the first time Penrith have faced Tigers recruits Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva since they were part of the Panthers' fourth straight premiership.
The Penrith coach highlighted how changes in Luai's approach have helped lift the previously struggling Tigers (13th) above Penrith (15th) on the ladder.
"Probably started last year when (Luai) started kicking the ball more, his kicking game has definitely improved over the last couple of years," Cleary said.
"Touching the ball more, being around both sides of the footy and just being generally dangerous."
The coach said it wouldn't be too strange coming up against his old charges, and his team's focus was on preventing a Tigers ambush at Commbank Stadium on Sunday.
"We loved them, they were a big part of our team and (Jarome) was certainly one of those," Cleary said.
"It makes it interesting for sure but Tigers, generally speaking, our games against them are always tough.
"They tend to bring their best against us and I'm sure it'll be the same this week."
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary says he is unclear on son Nathan's sporting future amid speculation the halfback could be eyeing a move to rugby union.
Nathan Cleary, one of the NRL's best players, is contracted at Penrith until the end of 2027.
Reports Cleary may be interested in rugby union emerged last week, when Wallabies legend Tim Horan said the Penrith star was "quite keen" to switch codes.
Ivan Cleary wouldn't rule out the possibility of the NSW halfback exploring the rival code but was firm that father and son would remain united until the end of his contract.
"Nathan's here for another two years so that's where he's gonna be," Ivan Cleary said on Friday.
"Nath's a pretty open-minded kid but that's down the track maybe, who knows?
"But he's contracted here for another two years so that's what he's doing."
The Penrith coach even weighed in on whether his son would make an effective flyhalf should he choose to change to the 15-a-side game.
"I don't think he's ever played (rugby union)," Ivan Cleary said.
"He'd just have to avoid all the rucks, just kick and goal kick I suppose and he'd go alright."
But Cleary senior rubbished the notion that winning three State of Origin series and four premierships meant the 27-year-old had nothing left to prove in league.
"I don't think so at all, not that I've ever spoken to him about it," Cleary said.
"Just watching him play every week, he's always trying to get better and loves what he's doing."
The Panthers take on Wests Tigers on Sunday and hope to build on momentum started with their gritty 18-10 win over Parramatta in round 13.
It will be the first time Penrith have faced Tigers recruits Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva since they were part of the Panthers' fourth straight premiership.
The Penrith coach highlighted how changes in Luai's approach have helped lift the previously struggling Tigers (13th) above Penrith (15th) on the ladder.
"Probably started last year when (Luai) started kicking the ball more, his kicking game has definitely improved over the last couple of years," Cleary said.
"Touching the ball more, being around both sides of the footy and just being generally dangerous."
The coach said it wouldn't be too strange coming up against his old charges, and his team's focus was on preventing a Tigers ambush at Commbank Stadium on Sunday.
"We loved them, they were a big part of our team and (Jarome) was certainly one of those," Cleary said.
"It makes it interesting for sure but Tigers, generally speaking, our games against them are always tough.
"They tend to bring their best against us and I'm sure it'll be the same this week."

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The Bulldogs got their man. This is their plan for Lachlan Galvin

The Age

4 hours ago

The Age

The Bulldogs got their man. This is their plan for Lachlan Galvin

Galvin is seen as a raw talent in every sense by the Bulldogs and, initially, he may do it tough physically. But he'll be better after an off-season under Cameron Ciraldo which will start to transform him into the physical player they want him to become. Good judges say he has the size and skill to eventually develop into a forward in the mould of Isaah Yeo. Where he fits in to the team in the meantime remains to be seen. Galvin has already proved he is mentally tough, considering the scrutiny he has been under over the last two months as his exit from the Tigers was played out in the media. When I sat down with him for a tell-all interview with the Nine network, I didn't know what to expect as I had only previously met him briefly at an all-in media conference. I came away entirely impressed by his clarity, calmness and conviction. His character has been questioned, but from what I saw the Bulldogs have a genuine young man on their hands who has a huge desire to make a success of his career. What's more, he has the verbal and mental capacity to become a media performer and a household name for all the right reasons. Galvin shut down a number of myths that have been perpetuated recently around his desire to leave the Tigers and his relationships with key figures at the club. The most interesting take is that he was the one instructing his manager, Isaac Moses, on his future – not the other way around, as most have assumed. Loading He didn't shy away from the fact that he and Jarome Luai are not the best of mates, but did say he was capable of putting personal differences aside to play in a team with Luai and others. He wasn't too perturbed by critical Instagram posts by Luai and Sunia Turuva after revealing his desire to get out of the Tigers. Which makes you wonder how difficult things were elsewhere for him to initiate legal action against the club over bullying claims. Obviously, Galvin could handle what he viewed as light-hearted attacks on his character. The more serious allegations – which were contained in a dossier that ran to at least 18 points – was obviously heavy duty. Galvin did the interview with me last week knowing the Tigers had granted his release on the condition he did not make disparaging comments about the club or individuals. He certainly didn't seem rattled by anything I put to him. It'll be interesting if he's able to tell the full story one day. Tigers won't be Api with skipper The Perth Bears would love to hear that Api Koroisau is keen to play for them, after the Wests Tigers skipper touted himself to the new team via a media conference. The media lapped it up – but given Tigers players and management fried Lachlan Galvin for privately expressing his desire to leave because he couldn't see himself developing under Benji Marshall, it will be interesting to see if Tigers management respond. Galvin wasn't the captain and didn't identify another club he wanted to play for via the media. A fair question is, was it team-first? Or Api first? Tim's a-changing While on the Tigers, it was no surprise that Tim Sheens wasn't at the 20-year reunion of the 2005 Premiership side. There may be other reasons, but be certain Sheens doesn't have any time for current coach Marshall. Which is surprising, when you think he was mentoring Benji for the top job only a couple of years back before leaving the Tigers. Is Turbo corked? It's interesting to note how long Tom Trbojevic has been hampered by a cork in his leg. Manly said he had been playing with the injury for several weeks before aggravating it against the Eels in round 12. He was then rested last week against the Broncos and missed Thursday night's loss to Newcastle. Stephen Crichton recovered from a corked thigh in 48 hours to star in Origin. This column has heard whispers Trbojevic has actually suffered a hamstring injury, which the Eagles have wanted to keep quiet so Tom isn't harassed by media. Titans roster reshuffle looms At least one club has been sounded out in recent days about signing Jayden Campbell. The Titans have depth in the fullback area and enough talent in the halves. You have to think they need a roster rejig after a poor start to the year. Bear necessities No one questions Mal Meninga 's standing as an Immortal of the game. But many are quietly saying he is a risk as the Perth coach. Here is what you need to consider. Meninga has been a great coach for Queensland and Australia, but throughout that time he has been acknowledged primarily as a brilliant man-manager while delegating coaching duties to the likes of Michael Hagan, Neil Henry, Adrian Lam and Brett White. It's likely that lack of ego will see him hand over the nuts and bolts to his assistant coaches. If he doesn't, it would be a huge surprise and a potential problem. Meninga knows his strength lies in creating the culture of a club and being a salesman for the Bears. His aura and reputation should be exploited to attract players to the new franchise. The NRL has also taken a risk by appointing Anthony De Ceglie as Bears CEO. The former News Corp and Seven West journalist/editor has copped a pasting in the media so far, remaining silent as his credibility and credentials have been questioned. It will be interesting to see who he leans on in the media as he is off with the West Australian, which he edited for years. The situation is the same at the Seven network, but he has some old mates at News Corp, who are sure to give him a soft run. His greatest ally is Peter V'landys, who has backed him to the hilt. V'landys rarely gets it wrong and has vouched for De Ceglie. Low tactics delayed Mal move Loading Part of the delay around the Meninga announcement was because he was lowballed at $600,000 when negotiations over his salary began. Meninga would have been one of the lower-paid coaches in the NRL if he accepted that offer. He was also required to give up his incomes from the Kangaroos, Raiders and Fox Sport. Keeping those gigs would have had him earning that salary. Smith silent treatment a poor look Cam Smith put his hand up to succeed Meninga as Australian coach, and deserved some level of acknowledgment from the NRL given his standing in the game. Some 36 hours later, they sounded out Brad Fittler for the position. I bumped into Smith in North Sydney and asked him what the NRL had said to him. At that point, no one contacted him. That's hardly acceptable for a man of his standing.