Roosters Could Enter the Race for Cleary
Sydney Roosters legend Brad Fittler believes the club could emerge as a genuine contender for Penrith Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary, suggesting the halfback’s potential availability could create an opportunity for the Bondi-based powerhouse.
With the Roosters preparing for a significant squad overhaul after losing six players from their premiership-winning group, Fittler believes the club could have the financial flexibility to explore an ambitious move for one of the NRL’s most influential players.
Cleary remains one of the competition’s premier playmakers, and any possibility of securing his services would represent a major statement of intent from the Roosters as they look to maintain their premiership credentials.
$1.5 Million Recruitment Pool Could Change Everything
Fittler pointed towards the Roosters’ changing salary cap situation, highlighting the departures of six players and the club’s previously available recruitment funds earmarked for Sam Walker.
According to the former Roosters captain and coach, those financial circumstances could make a potential Cleary pursuit considerably more realistic than many supporters might initially expect.
“(The Roosters have) shed six players and also had $1.5m in their recruitment pool for Walker, so Nathan Cleary becomes very viable, if he gets to November 1,” Fittler said, via Nine.
His comments have naturally generated discussion about whether the Roosters could position themselves to make an extraordinary recruitment play.
However, any potential move would depend on Cleary’s contractual circumstances, Penrith’s willingness to negotiate and whether the superstar halfback would consider leaving the Panthers.
Premiership Success Remains the Roosters’ Priority
Fittler also explained why the Roosters could be attracted to pursuing a player of Cleary’s calibre, pointing to the club’s longstanding ambition of competing for premierships.
The former NSW State of Origin coach believes that occasionally a superstar becomes available who can provide the missing ingredient needed to transform a strong squad into a genuine premiership-winning team.
“Their motto for a long time has been play for premierships. Sometimes a player can come along and make that difference and win a grand final,” Fittler added.
That philosophy has traditionally shaped the Roosters’ recruitment strategy, with the club regularly pursuing established representative stars capable of delivering immediate success.
Could Cleary Become the Roosters’ Next Superstar Signing?
Cleary’s potential availability would undoubtedly attract interest from several NRL clubs, given his leadership, experience and ability to control matches at the highest level.
For Penrith, however, losing their champion halfback would represent an enormous challenge, particularly considering his importance to the Panthers’ premiership success.
While Fittler’s comments do not confirm an official Roosters approach, they have introduced an intriguing possibility ahead of the November 1 recruitment window.
Whether the Bondi club seriously pursues Cleary remains uncertain, but its financial position could make the conversation worth having.
One thing is clear: if Nathan Cleary ever becomes available, the Roosters would have every reason to investigate the opportunity.