The code war between Rugby Australia and the NRL is set to heat up after RA’s hit list of “definite” targets was revealed, headlined by Penrith Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary.
The list of ‘Re-Union’ candidates, which was drawn up by the Wallabies’ high performance team, was reported by The Australian on Friday night.
The simple takeaway? It is clear that Joseph Suaalii’s defection could just the start.
The biggest and most surprising name on the list was Cleary, with Payne Haas, Cameron Murray, Angus Crichton and Will Penisini also mentioned, as expected.
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The inclusion of Cleary’s name though would sound alarm bells in the NRL, with RA chair Hamish McLennan confirming the Panthers halfback is “absolutely” in the rival code’s sights.
“Nathan Cleary wasn’t on the original list as we thought he’d be untouchable, but he said he’d be open to a switch,” McLennan said, per The Australian.
“I’d forgotten he’d spent time growing up in New Zealand, so he appreciates the game and gets it. Imagine him running out in front of 85,000 people wearing Wallaby gold at Stade de France. Mind-blowing.”
Cleary is contracted at the foot of the mountains until the end of the 2027 season but conceded last month he may consider a switch to rugby union at some point in his career.
“I have a great admiration and respect for union players, particularly growing up in New Zealand, it’s so big over there,” Cleary told Nine News when asked if he would ever think of making the move.
“At the moment I’m pretty happy with where I’m at. Somewhere down the track maybe (I’d consider switching).”
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The rest of the names on RA’s list were not as surprising, with reports only surfacing this week that it is plotting a bid to sign Haas, who is off contract at the end of the 2024 season.
It was reported by The Daily Telegraph that Wallabies coach Eddie Jones wants Haas in time for the World Cup in 2027, with McLennan again confirming the front rower is a target.
“Payne could definitely be wearing Wallaby gold,” McLennan told News Corp.
“We really like Payne. He has a strong rugby pedigree and it’s probably time for him to spread his wings and do something really special.
“The Broncos are great — but playing for the Wallabies against the British Lions would be even better.
“By playing rugby, Payne can see the world.”
Broncos coach Kevin Walters responded to the reports earlier in the week, expressing his optimism that the 23-year-old will remain at Red Hill.
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“I’m very confident that that will happen, it might take a few weeks but I’m sure that Payne wants to stay and we certainly want to keep him,” Walters said.
McLennan also told The Australian that Murray has been on Jones’ radar as a possible target for a long time but added he does not believe the Souths skipper is “gettable”.
Crichton may be another story, with McLennan explaining to the News Corp publication that his wife Lucinda’s family has an existing connection with the Roosters star’s family.
“Well, (my wife) Lucinda’s family are super-close to the Crichtons,” McLennan said.
“Her mum and dad (Ruth and Tony) are old friends with Liz and Robert (Angus’s grandparents), and Lucinda used to hang out with Charlie (Angus’s dad) from the age of five at their property in Young.
“My daughter Olivia went to school with Gus’s sister Lucy and they’re great mates, so we all know each other really well.”
As for Penisini, he extended with Parramatta earlier this year until the end of the 2025 season and RA will be hoping his friendship with Suaalii could eventually sway the centre.
