It couldn’t happen … Could it?
Fresh whispers of a stunning Sydney Roosters raid on the game’s most powerful father-son duo refuse to go away and while insiders stress it remains speculative, the pieces are beginning to spark intrigue.
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The theory, which gained traction this week, centres on the Roosters potentially targeting Penrith premiership architect Ivan Cleary and his son, superstar halfback Nathan Cleary as a package deal from 2028.
At this stage its nothing more than “embryonic talk” but some are quietly acknowledging it’s not as far-fetched as it first sounds.
Speaking on the Rugby League Insider Podcast, journalist James Hooper revealed the idea has been circulating behind the scenes for weeks.
“There is absolutely zero proof about this,” Hooper warned.
“But there are significant people in the game talking about it … and you just never say never with the Roosters.
“I made some phone calls off the back of last night and I have been speaking to people over the course of the last couple of weeks. This isn’t the first time that somebody has suggested this to me.”
The timing is what makes the rumour impossible to ignore, both Nathan and Ivan Cleary are contracted at Penrith until the end of 2027 meaning any move would realistically come into play the following season.
Adding fuel to the fire, Nathan has already indicated he is likely to test the open market when he becomes a free agent on November 1.
That alone is enough to put every club in the NRL on red alert especially one with the Roosters’ history of landing marquee names.
As Hooper pointed out, the club has never been shy about pulling off headline-grabbing coups, referencing past moves for Cooper Cronk and Sonny Bill Williams.
“They are the absolute best in the game when it comes to getting deals done,” he said.
Pressure builds at Bondi
The backdrop to the speculation is growing scrutiny on current Roosters coach Trent Robinson.
Despite delivering three premierships since 2013, Robinson hasn’t lifted the trophy since 2019.
“There are murmurs around Robbo,” Braith Anasta said on NRL 360.
“He is doing a great job … but say they bomb out this year, is there any chance his job comes under question?”
While club supremo Nick Politis has repeatedly backed Robinson as a long-term figure, history suggests the Roosters are always thinking ahead.
The Roosters’ roster situation only adds another layer.
Key names including Angus Crichton and Mark Nawaqanitawase are either leaving or surrounded by uncertainty, while veterans like Daniel Tupou are nearing the twilight of their careers.
There are also question marks around the club’s long-term halves combination, with Sam Walker yet to cement his future and veteran Daly Cherry-Evans only a short-term option.
“It kind of opens up a little bit,” Hooper said of the club’s list beyond 2026.
“That’s when you start to look at what’s next.”
That uncertainty is exactly why some believe the Roosters could be positioning themselves for a generational play.
Why Cleary is the ultimate target
If Nathan Cleary does hit the open market, the interest will be universal.
League legend Gorden Tallis summed it up simply.
“If you don’t ask the question, you’re not doing your job,” he said.
“He’s the best player in rugby league.”
The Panthers superstar is already being courted from all angles, with reports of a monster $2 million-a-season offer from English Super League club Hull KR adding to the noise.
Personal factors including partner Mary Fowler’s UK base have only intensified speculation about his long-term future.
Even if the Roosters were to make a play, prising the Clearys out of Penrith would be one of the toughest recruitment challenges in modern rugby league.
Nathan has repeatedly spoken about his desire to maximise his career at the Panthers, while his bond with his father — who has coached the club to multiple premierships — remains a defining factor.
There’s also the question of whether Cleary would ever line up against the club that made him.
Some insiders believe that scenario is unlikely, suggesting any departure would more likely come via an overseas move rather than a rival NRL team.
