The Papua New Guinea Chiefs are making no secret of their desire to land one of the NRL’s biggest names, with board member Marcus Bai publicly declaring that Nathan Cleary would be immortalised in PNG history if he made the switch to Port Moresby.
Cleary is free to negotiate with rival clubs from November this year, and although a move to the Chiefs is considered unlikely, Bai says the four-time premiership winner would become a national treasure in PNG. Reports suggest the champion halfback could earn north of $1.5 million — entirely tax-free — making the financial incentive a compelling one.
A key factor driving the PNG push is Cleary’s relationship with Australian football star Mary Fowler. PNG locals have labelled Cleary as one of their own, with his relationship with Mary Fowler — who is of PNG heritage — playing a major role in the community’s affection for him. As Bai put it, “When locals here talk about Nathan Cleary, the people say he is our brother-in-law… everyone is claiming Nathan Cleary because his girlfriend has PNG heritage.”
The Australian Government has contributed $600 million to the PNG franchise venture across 10 years, with plans for a secure residential compound to be built to house players and their families. The tax-free living arrangement is central to the Chiefs’ recruitment pitch, with players set to significantly increase their take-home earnings compared to playing in Australia.
The PNG Chiefs are set to enter the NRL competition in 2028 — the same year Cleary’s current contract with the Penrith Panthers expires — making the timing of any approach particularly significant.
The Chiefs have already attempted to recruit Cleary’s father, Ivan Cleary, as head coach, though he declined the offer. For now, Nathan remains at the foot of the mountains, but come November 1, the rugby league world will be watching closely to see where one of the game’s greatest halfbacks lands next.
