Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt wouldn’t be surprised if NRL superstar Nathan Cleary wanted to “spread his wings” and make a sensational switch to rugby.
But Schmidt also declared he was happy with his current stock of playmakers as he prepares for the almighty task of tackling the British and Irish Lions.
Wallabies legend Tim Horan caused a stir on Thursday when he suggested on Stan Sport’s Rugby Heaven that Cleary was “quite keen to” try a new code.
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Nathan Cleary of Australia warms up. Getty
Schmidt, fronting media in Brisbane on Friday to mark the 50 day countdown to the first Lions Test at Suncorp Stadium, was well aware of Cleary’s glittering CV.
“I watched the State of Origin,” Schmidt told reporters.
“He obviously went to Sacred Heart College in New Zealand when Ivan (Cleary) was coaching the Warriors. That’s (All Blacks great) Sean Fitzpatrick country, that’s Taniela Tupou country. So it’s certainly a rugby school.
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Joe Schmidt speaks to the press. Getty
“He played soccer as a young man. He’s played league so, you know, he might want to spread his wings and play another sport. But at the same time, we’ve got a really good stock there that we’re focused on in the very short term.”
The four-time premiership winner starred for the NSW Blues this week in the State of Origin series opener as his side claimed the 18-6 victory.
Cleary has succeeded at every level of the 13-man code in the past five years and has reached heights few playmakers of his or any era have done, but the pure temptation of testing himself in another sport could be brewing.
Nathan Cleary after the Origin win. Getty
Last year, former Rugby Australia boss Hamish McLennan urged officials to chase the Panthers superstar, but nothing had appeared to have come to fruition yet.
However, the halfback’s name was suggested on Stan when the topic of potential Origin players who could make the jump was brought up.
Out of nowhere, Horan interjected and said it could really happen.
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“You might not have to wait too long,” he said.
“There’s been some rumours the last two months that he’s quite keen.
“I’ve heard it totally separate, he’s quite keen to come to rugby.”
With a home Rugby World Cup just two years away, bringing in a player of Cleary’s calibre could be a massive boost for the sport and for the Wallabies.
And while Horan doesn’t believe it’s the correct move, he understands why RA officials would need to at least consider signing Cleary if he became available.
“I don’t think it’s the right thing for Australian rugby to do, we’ve got a lot of talent coming through,” he said.
Nathan Cleary during NSW camp. Getty
“But I tell you what, if Nathan Cleary says ‘I’m interested in playing the game’ you’ve got to have a coffee.”
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii made the jump last year on a deal worth about $1.6 million per season and if Cleary were to switch, there’s reason to believe he would earn even more.
At this stage, the 27-year-old has not publicly expressed any desire to leave Penrith.
Tom Lynagh poses during a Wallabies portrait session. Getty
Schmidt also talked up the form of Queensland Reds playmaker Tom Lynagh, who made his Wallabies debut last year.
“I’m always looking to see more, but what I have seen is really positive. Tommy’s a really great player,” he said.
“Defensively he does a good job. He’s actually a lot better in the air than people would give him credit for.
Tom Lynagh of the Reds kicks a conversion at Suncorp Stadium. Getty
“For not a big man, he gets his timing right and his technique under the ball is good.
“His kicking game is long enough, his passing game is efficient, and he’s growing into a guy who can drive the game around the field.
“They are a lot of the aspects that we’d be looking for.”
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii of the Waratahs receives treatment for an injury before being stretchered off. Getty
Schmidt also reassured fans that Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was on track with his recovery from a broken jaw and the plan was for him to return for the Wallabies against Fiji on July 6.
“He’s working hard and he’s looking good going in the right direction to be ready for our Test against Fiji in Newcastle, which will be the ideal warmup,” Schmidt said.
