Immortal Andrew Johns would love to see Nathan Cleary move to Warrington – and he has even discussed the move with the Super League club’s owner Simon Moran.
What Cleary does beyond 2027 has become one of the hot topics in the NRL, with the man himself in no rush to make a call, especially during the Origin series.
He conceded his partner, Mary Fowler, who plays for Manchester City, would be included in any discussions about his decision.
Johns played for Warrington and was excited by what Cleary’s signing could do for the club – and the game in England.
“Simon Moran would move heaven and earth for Nathan to go over there,” Johns said.
“I’ve spoken to Simon, and he has met Nathan a few times after tours. He would do anything in his powers to get him over there.
“I’ve mentioned that to Nathan. He would be incredible [in the Super League]. There’s your marketing tool. Everywhere he plays it would be a sellout. I’d love to see him go over and play for Warrington.”
NRL clubs can not deal with Cleary before November 1, but there is nothing stopping Super League clubs making an approach.
Perth’s travel wish list
Any discussions about the Perth Bears’ push for concessions barely rated a mention at Friday’s CEOs meeting.
One of the few highlights was Wests Tigers’ interim chief Shaun Mielekamp taking a potshot at RLPA boss Clint Newton when his speech about intellectual property started to drag on.
The Bears enter the competition next year, and to make sure they are competitive from day one, officials in the west will this week finalise a list of travel proposals they hope rival clubs and the NRL will not oppose.
As it stands, the NRL pays for flights, two nights’ accommodation and breakfast for up to 28 players and staff whenever they travel interstate. Any extra player or member of staff, or any extra nights, are paid for by the clubs.
Perth want the NRL to foot the bill for three nights’ accommodation to help players with their sleep patterns, particularly due to the time difference between Perth and the eastern states.
Also, should the Bears have consecutive games in Sydney, they will ask the NRL to pay for the week’s accommodation, which, the sources claim, would be cheaper than paying for another set of flights.
The idea of extra flights for young players and their families would also help attract players to play for Perth, with the sources pointing out that a similar arrangement is already in place with rookies in the AFL.
“The AFL rule applies to first-year players, and the way we see it, all our players will be in their first year playing for Perth,” the source said.
What’s happening with Payten
The Cowboys have won seven of their past nine games, yet Todd Payten remains without a deal beyond this season.
This masthead asked David Myles, the former Cowboys player who as chairman of the football club board will have a huge say on any new contract for Payten, but he gave little away on Saturday night.
Pressure will continue to mount on the club to act, however, if the Cows continue their winning ways.
Plenty of the players were in good spirits in the early hours of Sunday at the Stock Exchange Hotel, including Reed Mahoney, whose popularity has clearly followed him all the way from Belmore to Brisbane and beyond.
Sticking their necks out
These were some fantastic costumes and wigs on show during Magic Round, including more than one Manly fan decked out in Jake Trbojevic’s bubble-like headgear.
But what about the cheeky Roosters fans who poked fun at their playmaker Daly Cherry-Evans. You had to pity the fans seated behind them.
Coates on Coates
Melbourne and Kangaroos flyer Xavier Coates was spotted at Broncos training on Saturday – but it had nothing to do with a possible return to his old club.
Coates presented his younger brother Phil with his debut jersey, with the 19-year-old playing on the wing against the Warriors on Sunday.
Xavier, who was presented his own debut jersey from Broncos legend Mick Hancock seven years ago, said he was due back for the Storm in the next month as he recovers from an Achilles injury.
Blues to bring more Payne
The sight of Payne Haas moving well at Brisbane’s captain’s run on Saturday would have given Laurie Daley some comfort.
Haas will miss Origin I because of a knee injury, but Broncos coach Michael Maguire confirmed the prop was most likely to return in round 13 against the Dragons, five days after Origin I, and well before teams are picked for game two.
Liam Martin also travelled to Brisbane to train with some of the Panthers’ NSW Cup players and is a big chance of overcoming his own knee injury and being available for Origin II.
