There are rumours the Sydney Roosters could make a stunning double play for Nathan and Ivan Cleary if Trent Robinson’s side falls short of expectations again the season.
Robinson has won three premierships and 214 of his 342 games for the club since 2013, but the last of his titles came in 2019.
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“There are murmurs around Robbo,” Braith Anasta said on NRL 360 on Wednesday,
“He is doing a great job and he has done for a long time. But say they bomb out this year, is there any chance his job comes under question?”
The Daily Telegraph’s Brent Read admitted Robinson could face pressure if the Roosters struggle this season, given the quality roster he has at his disposal.
“I imagine if they bomb out this year questions will be asked,” Read said.
“We saw that rumour the other week that Dean Bulldog Ritchie floated the other week about the Clearys and the Roosters.
“We know the Roosters, they love a glamour signing and we’ve spoken about it that Nathan Cleary will go to November 1 and see what’s out there.”
Anasta pointed out that the contract stars are aligning for the Roosters to make a bold bid for a Cleary combo.
“That’s an interesting one actually because Nathan’s going to market, Sam Walker can go to market November 1, (Daly Cherry-Evans) might be done by then,” he said.
“So there’s actually a chance of that happening.
“That could be a possibility that the Roosters have a lash at Nathan and Ivan Cleary at the same time.”
Anasta questioned why the Roosters haven’t re-signed Walker yet, given he is viewed as the club’s long-term No.7.
“Will Roosters re-sign Walker soon or are they probably going to go to November?” Anasta said.
Read then warned the Roosters want to see more from their young playmaker given his slow start to the season.
“I think it depends on how Sam plays,” Read said.
“Sam Walker has acknowledged his form hasn’t been as good as he could be.
“I still think Sam is an immense talent, who is going to be a great footballer in this game for a long time, but at the Roosters if you don’t aim up the spotlight is on you.”
Anasta interjected: “You think they are watching him at the moment? Do you think this rumour is a chance of happening?”
“Well it’s not my rumour, but we have all heard it,” Read replied.
League legend Gorden Tallis feels the Roosters are doing their due diligence by gauging Cleary’s interest.
“It is common sense for a club like the Roosters and they are a marquee organisation to try and get the best player,” Tallis said.
“I think every club would be interested in Nathan Cleary.”
Read agreed every club would be mad not to make a play for Cleary when he tests his value on the open market.
“If Nathan Cleary goes to November 1 and you don’t ask the question, you are not doing my job because he is the best player in rugby league and he can transform you overnight,” Read said.
“It doesn’t matter if it is the Roosters or Manly or Tigers or the PNG Chiefs and Perth Bears, if you are not asking the question about Nathan Cleary, it is almost irresponsible not to ask the question.”
Originally published as ‘We have all heard it’: Roosters linked to bombshell Cleary double play
