He has talked down the possibility of a code switch in the past, but once again Nathan Cleary has been linked with a move to rugby union.
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That is according to Wallabies legend Tim Horan, who said on Stan Sports’ Rugby Heaven that he heard Cleary is “quite keen” on making the switch.
Cleary had previously floated that he may consider playing union at some point in the future. But how long may fans of the 15-man code have to wait? Not long, according to Horan.
“You might not have to wait too long,” he said.
“There’s been some rumours the last two months that he’s quite keen.
“I’ve heard it totally separate, he’s quite keen to come to rugby.”
Former Rugby Australia boss Hamish McLennan urged union to target Cleary in October last year after Joseph Sua’ali’i made the switch, telling The Sydney Morning Herald at the time that the game “needs another five Josephs at the World Cup for ‘27”.
Cleary, meanwhile, was asked about the possibility of a code switch by Channel Nine last year and said he may look into it “somewhere down the track”.
“I have great admiration and respect for union players, particularly growing up in New Zealand, it’s so big over there,” he said.
“At the moment I’m pretty happy with where I’m at. Somewhere down the track maybe.”
YOUNG SET FOR KNIGHTS RETURN… WITH A CATCH
Roosters outside back Dom Young has reportedly agreed to terms to return to the Knights, but the signing won’t be confirmed until after the two sides play against each other.
The Roosters and Knights will do battle at McDonald Jones Stadium in Round 15, and according to News Corp, the Tricolours want to hold off confirming the signing to avoid Young playing against them.
It means the Knights won’t announce the signing of Young until Round 16, which is before the June 30 mid-season transfer deadline, allowing him to jump ship immediately.
Young has been named in the Roosters’ squad for their clash against the Raiders at Allianz Stadium on Sunday evening, but only as 18th man.
The 23-year-old will be a welcomed addition for the Knights, who have failed to fire in attack, scoring just 153 points this season, the least of any team.
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Negotiations between the Roosters and Knights stalled initially after Newcastle reportedly refused to pay for the whole of Young’s contract, which drew public criticism from Roosters coach Trent Robinson.
But it appears as though that issue has now been resolved, and Young could play his first game back at the Knights when they battle with the Dolphins in Round 16.
Young scored 23 tries from as many games in the 2023 season, which was his last one with the Knights. It was the second most of any NRL player that season.
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