Operation RE-UNION! Eddie Jones’s NRL targets revealed as new Wallabies boss lines up bold moves for rugby league’s biggest stars… so, which premiership winner is on his hit list?
Rugby Australia’s code war with the NRL is showing no sign of letting up after a list of the Wallabies’ targets was revealed.
The shortlist of ‘Re-Union’ targets – players currently plying their trade in the NRL but could be tempted to move to union – was revealed by The Australian, with Eddie Jones not satisfied with only prising Joseph Sua’ali’i from rugby league.
And the most high-profile target on the ‘Re-Union’ list is Penrith superstar Nathan Cleary, and his inclusion will surely sound alarm balls within the NRL.
Rugby Australia chief Hamish McLennan said: ‘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.
‘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.’
Eddie Jones’s hit list of NRL targets has been revealed, according to reports
The Wallabies have already lured Joseph Sua’ali’i from rugby league but want more stars
Clearly signed a new contract with the Panthers last year, which expires in 2027, but he has previously admitted he would be open to a move to the Wallabies.
‘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 consider a move.
‘At the moment I’m pretty happy with where I’m at. Somewhere down the track maybe (I’d consider switching).’
Brisbane Broncos’ Payne Haas was linked with a switch earlier this week, with reports suggesting the forward has held ‘secret talks’ with Rugby Australia for two years.
Haas’s name is on the list of ‘Re-Union’ too, alongside Cameron Murray, Angus Crichton and Will Penisini.
‘Payne could definitely be wearing Wallaby gold,’ McLennan told News Corp.
Penrith Panthers champion Nathan Cleary is understood to be open to a move to union
‘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.’
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