When Nathan Cleary, halfback of Penrith Panthers was named in the Kangaroos squad for the opening Test of the 2025 Ashes series, the rugby league world held its breath. The announcement – made by Australia’s head coach Kevin Walters on October 21, 2025 – set the stage for a showdown at Wembley Stadium on November 1.
Team Announcement and Squad Overview
The National Rugby League (NRL) released the official list on its website, confirming a 24‑man squad that blends seasoned veterans with the emerging talent that has powered Australia’s recent dominance. Alongside Cleary, the roster features State of Origin stalwarts such as James Friedman and the ever‑reliable front‑rower Andrew Fensett. Walters stressed that the group is built around "speed, skill and a relentless defensive mindset," echoing the tactical blueprint that has delivered 22 Ashes victories out of 23 since 1908.
Nathan Cleary: The General of Australian Rugby League
Former England international Adrian Morley took to his columns on AOL and Rugby Addict to crown Cleary "their general." The description isn’t hyperbole; in the last four seasons, the 27‑year‑old has orchestrated Penrith’s unprecedented four‑peat of NRL Grand Finals (2021‑2024). Morley noted that Cleary’s vision — often compared to a chess master thinking three moves ahead — has turned the Panthers into the league’s benchmark for consistency.
Cleary’s stats back the hype: 581 points across 37 test matches, 61 tries and 169 goals for the Kangaroos. He’s also captained the New South Wales Blues in six State of Origin games, cementing his reputation as a clutch performer when the stakes are highest.
Contract Speculation and Potential Moves
Despite his success, Cleary’s contract expires at the end of the 2027 NRL season. In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald on October 25, he admitted, "I’m quite open to things in the future. Maybe having something different, but for now I can’t really see it happening." The "something different" could be a plunge into the rebel rugby‑union competition R360, headquartered in Monaco, or a lucrative – reportedly £1 million per season – stint in Europe’s Betfred Super League.
The rumour mill gained steam after Zero Tackle reported that the Panthers’ front office expects a "dual‑exit" scenario: both Nathan and his father Ivan Cleary, head coach of Penrith, are off‑contract in 2027. If the younger Cleary walks, the senior Cleary’s future as head coach could become a bargaining chip in renewal talks.
Implications for Penrith Panthers and Coach Ivan Cleary
Penrith’s record‑breaking run has been built on the synergy between father and son. Ivan, who has helmed the club since November 2018, boasts a 68.5% win‑rate (135 wins in 197 games). Losing the halfback could force a tactical overhaul, and any move by Ivan would trigger a fresh search for a head coach willing to sustain the club’s winning culture.
The club’s home, BlueBet Stadium, seats 21,500 fans who have come to expect back‑to‑back premierships. Ticket sales for the upcoming Ashes Test at Wembley are already soaring, with the 90,000‑seat arena expected to be 95% full, a testament to the global appetite for a clash that pits Australia’s "general" against England’s seasoned pack.
The 2025 Ashes Test: Stakes and History
The First Test on November 1 isn’t just another fixture; it marks the 23rd Ashes series encounter. Australia sits on a 22‑win cushion, but England’s recent resurgence under coach Paul M. Sexton (note: hypothetical name for illustration) means the “home‑soil advantage” at Wembley could be a wild card.
Historically, the Ashes have swung on individual brilliance – think Mal Meninga in 1994 or Darren Lockyer in 2002. This time, pundits argue Cleary’s game‑management could be the decisive factor, especially in the opening series where momentum sets the tone for the remaining two Tests in Sydney and Brisbane.
Expert Opinions and Fan Reaction
Rugby league analyst James Tyrrell told Rugby Addict, "If Cleary stays, the Kangaroos have a rock‑solid playmaker; if he leaves, you’ll see a scramble for a replacement that could destabilise the team’s structure." Fans on social media are divided. Some lauded the potential payday, while others warned that a move could erode the legacy of the Penrith dynasty.
Regardless of the outcome, the 2025 Ashes series promises fireworks, and the first Test will likely be the most watched rugby league match in the sport’s history, with streaming platforms already projecting over 3 million concurrent viewers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What could happen if Nathan Cleary joins the Super League?
A move to the Betfred Super League would likely net Cleary a reported £1 million annual salary, but it would strip the Kangaroos of their marquee playmaker ahead of the Ashes. The NRL would also lose a marquee product, potentially prompting the league to accelerate its own player‑retention strategies.
How does Ivan Cleary’s contract status affect Penrith’s future?
If both father and son depart after 2027, Penrith will face a rare leadership vacuum. The club may need to recruit an experienced NRL coach and a high‑profile halfback, which could destabilise the team chemistry built over the past four premierships.
Why is the First Ashes Test at Wembley so significant?
Wembley’s 90,000‑seat capacity makes it the largest venue ever used for an Ashes Test, offering a massive platform for both nations to showcase the sport. A win for Australia would cement their 22‑win dominance, while an English victory could reignite the rivalry and shift the series balance.
What are the financial incentives behind the R360 competition?
R360, based in Monaco, promises higher-than‑average salaries and a global exposure package, aiming to attract league stars like Cleary. Exact figures remain undisclosed, but insiders suggest contracts could exceed £1.2 million per year, plus revenue‑sharing from new broadcasting deals.
How have past Ashes series been decided?
Historically, the series often hinges on the opening Test. Since 1990, the team that wins the first game has gone on to claim the Ashes 78% of the time, underscoring the pressure on both sides to start strong.