TRANSFER: After ‘engaging’ with a new agency, an NRL great is reportedly considering a shocking move to the rugby union.

Here’s the latest on the NRL superstar being linked with a shock rugby union switch:

Kalyn Ponga – Most likely candidate
Agent engagement: According to news.com.au (today), Newcastle Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga has reportedly signed with a New Zealand rugby union agent and is being pitched to European clubs, as well as eyeing a dream move to the All Blacks

Contract status: He’s contracted at ₦1.4 million (£1.4 m AUD) per season through the end of 2027. However, he could potentially forego ₦2.8 million ($2.8m AUD) by exiting early

All Blacks interest: New Zealand coach Scott Robertson has said he’d be open to talking with Ponga about switching codes, highlighting that union is a realistic path for him
Nathan Cleary – Ongoing speculation
Code-switch rumors: Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt, in May 2025, did not dismiss reports of Cleary possibly switching to union, noting his upbringing in rugby-rich environments like Sacred Heart College in Auckland

Insider commentary: Union legend Tim Horan suggested Cleary is “quite keen” on the move, with NRL great Angus Crichton adding that Cleary could “kill it in union.” Still, his NRL club and family remain confident he’ll stay in league

Club stance: Cleary himself, in June, reaffirmed that he’s locked into his Panthers contract and focused on league—his agent and club are dismissing the rumors .

Other rumors
Joseph Manu: Has flirted with a short-term union stint in Japan/France post-2024, but remains committed to the Roosters with no imminent switch expected

Tevita Pangai Jr: Considering a move to union at the end of his Super League contract, but that’s within rugby league’s own spheres—not related to NRL stars switching to union
Nine

Summary
Player Likelihood of Union Move Status
Kalyn Ponga High Engaged agent, exploring Europe/All Blacks options
Nathan Cleary Moderate, but speculative Rumors fueled by union coaching interest; he and Panthers deny intent
Others Low Manu & Pangai Jr moving on short stints or between league systems

Looking ahead
If Ponga proceeds, expect him to announce a change before the end of the 2025 NRL season. A move would likely involve a European or Super Rugby club, positioning him for an All Blacks shot in time for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Cleary, though tempting, remains firmly tied to rugby league—his public comments and contractual commitments suggest the union chatter may be more noise than reality.

Let me know if you’d like a deeper dive into one of these players, their potential destinations, or how these moves could shape rugby’s future.