The rumour just refuses to fade — and now it’s picking up serious traction 👀
The idea of the Sydney Roosters pulling off a sensational double move for Nathan Cleary and his father Ivan Cleary is no longer being dismissed as pure fantasy. Around the league, insiders are beginning to whisper that the unthinkable might actually be possible.
At the heart of it all is timing.
Nathan Cleary remains the face of the Penrith Panthers dynasty, while Ivan has built one of the most dominant systems the competition has ever seen. But sustained success always brings pressure — and eventually, change. With Penrith navigating salary cap constraints and the natural cycle of a roster that’s been together for years, rival clubs are circling.
The Roosters, known for their aggressive recruitment and deep pockets, loom as the biggest threat. If there’s one club capable of orchestrating a move of this magnitude, it’s them. And the appeal is obvious: pairing Nathan’s elite game management with Ivan’s proven coaching blueprint could instantly reshape the premiership landscape.
So what could trigger it?
Sources suggest it would likely take a combination of factors — long-term contract leverage, a desire for a fresh challenge, and the Roosters’ ability to clear significant cap space. There’s also the pull of legacy: the chance for the Clearys to replicate — or even surpass — their Penrith success in a completely new environment.
For now, it remains a rumour. But it’s a rumour gaining momentum.
And if it ever becomes reality, it wouldn’t just be a transfer — it would be one of the most explosive moves the NRL has ever seen.
