Penrith Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary has reportedly received a lucrative offer from Hull FC, according to reports in Australia. Garry Schofield has stated that the Super League side has offered a long-term, multi-million-pound deal to Cleary.
Schofield’s Tip: Cleary to Hull FC?
Schofield, who starred for Hull in the 1980s, has supposedly suggested that the Black and Whites have entered the fray to acquire what many within rugby league call the world’s best. The thought of the 27-year-old entertaining a move to Hull seems crazy at best.
Ben Elias, a former Balmain Tigers player, read out Schofield’s tip on Fox TV show NRL360. Elias said that Nathan Cleary has been offered £1 million a year for four years at Hull FC.
The Lure of Super League
Cleary is out of contract at Penrith come the end of the 2027 season and can soon test himself in the open market, speaking to rival clubs from November 1 should he not opt to extend his time at the Panthers. A move to Super League has been talked about for some time.
NRL 360 host Braith Anasta, a player agent, added that he believes the report and that Cleary may go to November 1 because of big dollars. He wants to be closer to his missus, Mary Fowler.
Praise for Cleary’s Character
Elias praised the Penrith half-back, who is best friends with Hull KR star Tyrone May. “I have never known anyone to say one bad word about this kid. His behaviour off the football paddock has been beautiful. His work ethic is probably the best in the game.”
Elias added that he can only compare Cleary to Cameron Smith and Joey Johns.
Cleary’s Current Focus
Cleary, at the heart of Penrith’s stellar start to the 2026 NRL season, will play his 200th NRL game against the Canterbury Bulldogs on Friday morning. Ironically, Hull confirmed the end-of-season departure of their Penrith-born coach John Cartwright on Tuesday.
It has long been speculated that Cleary may be open to playing in the Super League given that his long-term partner, Mary Fowler, plays for Manchester City.