NRL club’s ‘secret’ $9 million Cleary plot, package deal details revealed

Wests Tigers reportedly made a "secret" $9 million play to try and lure Nathan Cleary, in a package deal that would have seen his partner, Matildas star Mary Fowler, A-League-bound.

According to the Daily Telegraph, the remarkable plot was put to Cleary's management in hopes of having him commit to the Tigers from 2028, with the deal worth $3 million combined for the next three years.

The masthead reports talks between the Tigers and Cleary's camp were active "up until at least 96 hours ago".

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While the star halfback is thought to be nearing a Panthers recommitment - already secure for two more seasons, with a further two-year option a likelihood - Wests reportedly haven't been told 'no' just yet.

But with Cleary having turned his back on the PNG Chiefs, and younger brother Jett's Penrith return confirmed on a two-year contract from 2027, the Tigers are certainly outsiders.

Reports indicate PNG offered Cleary as much as $8.4 million tax-free, had he agreed to play for the expansion franchise from 2028.

As for Fowler, meanwhile, the blockbuster prospect deal would have seen the Manchester City weapon head home and play for the Central Coast Mariners.

The report states Fowler's earnings would have been "basically double" her current wage at City, as well as stand alone as far as A-League Women contracts go.

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It comes as Cleary is set to once again go under the knife as he continues to rehab the gruesome leg break he suffered during the finals.

Penrith officials have been laser-focused on their gun No.7's recovery, with Cleary already having surgery to fix his broken fibula and dislocated tibia as a result of a nasty hip-drop tackle.

Cleary will reportedly have a tightrope surgery on his ankle in the coming weeks to complete his recovery.

That process will see a braided rope inserted into his leg to give stability to the bones in his ankle after also sustaining a syndesmosis injury from Phoenix Crossland's tackle.

Panthers officials reportedly believe Cleary could be up and walking in the next fortnight after his latest trip to the hospital, with the club confident he could be fit for Round 1 of the 2027 season.