Nathan Cleary’s growing legacy in rugby league has prompted calls for his immediate induction into the game’s highest honor, the Immortals, bypassing the customary post-retirement waiting period. Supporters argue that should Cleary lead the Penrith Panthers to a fifth premiership in six years, his place among the sport’s all-time greats is undisputed and deserving of prompt recognition.
Traditionally, players become eligible for Immortal status only several years after retiring, with the next induction class scheduled for 2028. However, some voices within the rugby league community are urging a break from convention, citing Cleary’s remarkable achievements as justification for an expedited elevation. Advocates emphasize that waiting to honor a player of Cleary’s calibre risks overlooking the immediate impact and dominance he has exhibited on the field.
Cleary’s accolades include four premiership victories with Penrith and key individual awards, such as two Clive Churchill Medals awarded to the best player in a grand final, two Brad Fittler Medals recognizing his performances for New South Wales, the Wally Lewis Medal for State of Origin, and three Dally M halfback-of-the-year awards. He has also earned the Rugby League Players Association Players’ Champion and multiple club-based honors. While he has yet to claim the Dally M Medal for the overall best player in the competition, observers anticipate he will likely secure this accolade in the near future.
In addition to his club success, Cleary has been instrumental in representative rugby league, contributing to New South Wales’ four State of Origin series wins, with particular praise for his decisive role in the 2023 decider. His international credentials include participation in Australia’s dominant 3-0 Ashes series whitewash over England in 2022.
Some traditionalists suggest that other legendary players, such as Johnathan Thurston, Darren Lockyer, Steve Rogers, Allan Langer, Cameron Smith, and Ken Irvine, may warrant Immortal status prior to Cleary. Meanwhile, others argue that Cleary’s ongoing on-field excellence and accumulation of premierships have firmly established him ahead of his contemporaries.
Newly appointed NRL executive chairman Peter V’landys, known for his willingness to make bold decisions, has been invoked as a potential catalyst for advancing Cleary’s induction without delay. Proponents contend that breaking established rules to recognize exceptional talent immediately would reflect the evolving nature of the sport and honor Cleary’s sustained impact.
There are also suggestions that the 2028 Immortals induction could see Cleary honored alongside Parramatta legend Brett Kenny, further elevating the class of that year.
As Cleary continues to build an unparalleled record with Penrith and representative teams, the debate over the timing of his recognition adds a new dimension to discussions about how the game honors its greatest players. A fifth premiership victory could prove pivotal in resolving calls for his early enshrinement among rugby league’s Immortals.