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."
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