Wigan Warriors Chief Executive Officer Kris Radlinski has been asked about Nathan Cleary’s links to Super League after the Penrith Panthers star was seen at the Grand Final.
Cleary’s appearance at Super League’s showpiece event came after rumours and reports that the Australian could be looking at a move to the competition in order to be closer to girlfriend Mary Fowler.
Fowler, a fellow Aussie, plays for Manchester City and her presence in the north west of England had triggered talks that Cleary could make a Super League switch, something that he would rubbish on Saturday night.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Cleary explained: “I’m just here to support my mate Tyrone May,” before being inevitably asked about those rumours, including when or if Super League fans could see him playing in the competition.
“No time soon to be honest. I’ve seen all the rumours but I’ve just come over here to see her play which is nice and just have a break but yeah, I won’t be moving over there any time soon.”
Wigan Warriors CEO on if ‘best in the world’ Nathan Cleary hit the market
Appearing on Sky Sports News to celebrate and broadcast Wigan Warriors’ incredible achievement to the mainstream media, Radlinski was asked about Nathan Cleary and if there was any hope of him donning the Cherry and White.
“Obviously, he’s the best player in the world. What he’s done for many years is outstanding,” Radlinski explained.
“I think to have him there at Old Trafford on Saturday night was fantastic and I’m sure that he saw the occasion and part of him fancied that.
“I think if Nathan’s name comes on the market then everybody would be trying to sign him. I’m pretty comfortable with the squad that we’ve got at the moment but he’d certainly be great for Super League.”
If Cleary’s name does come on the market then Super League sides will have to break the bank to get him with the Penrith star reportedly on a salary of $1.2 million for the next three seasons.
That is the equivalent of just shy of £620,000, almost one-third of the Super League salary cap. Even with him registering as a marquee player at £150,000 on the cap, the club would have to subsidise the extra £470,000.