Nathan Cleary, one of the NRL’s biggest stars, has been dealt a tough blow as Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet publicly rejected the idea of the Penrith Panthers participating in the Magic Round in the UK. Cleary, along with the Panthers organization, had floated the suggestion of playing a match during the UK’s annual Magic Round—a special event where all Super League games are held at a single venue over a weekend. The idea was part of an effort to bring the NRL and Super League closer, potentially allowing Australian teams to participate in the event. However, Peet was quick to shut down the idea, expressing concerns over the impact such a move would have on the Super League’s identity and competitive structure.
Peet emphasized that Magic Round is a unique part of the Super League calendar, and allowing NRL teams to participate could overshadow the event’s core purpose, which is to highlight the league’s own talent and competition. He also suggested that the inclusion of NRL teams might dilute the focus on Super League clubs, taking away from the local fanbase’s experience.
This rejection is a setback for Cleary and the Panthers, who were looking to expand their global reach and tap into new fan markets. While the proposal aimed to create a stronger connection between the two leagues, it seems that for now, Super League officials are more focused on preserving the integrity of their own event. Cleary and his team will now have to explore other avenues for international expansion.
