Go for broke on Nathan Cleary. Well, for Rugby Australia, ask for an increase in the overdraft department.

This halfback is a generational talent. Now is the time to go hell for leather. At 26, the rounded No.7 is everything Australian rugby union is looking for.

In his ninth NRL season, the Panthers general returned after a 10-week hiatus brought on from a hamstring tear. While it wasn’t perfect, one feature stood out from the rest. He plays with an unmatched level of time.

The Wallabies are enjoying a progressive start to their 2024 international season. Following a dismal Paris World Cup, former coach Eddie Jones rocked young gun Carter Gordon out of the fold.

He was thrust into the No.10 jersey and had the weight of a nation on his foot, palm and mind. The then 22-year-old was booted out of a role and had no mentor to turn on.

Fast-forward nine months and Australia are facing the same glaring issue. While not short of fly-halves, the Wallabies are short of an answer. A proper force.

A first receiver with all the tricks and a cool head. Ben Donaldson has been tried and tested. The Waratahs utility failed to capitalise on a prime attacking opportunity against Georgia. He looked lost against a third-tier outfit.

Unfortunately, chasing Cleary comes at a cost equally as taxing as the financial bid. Many rugby fans won’t like it.

Growing grassroots is a big sentiment in rugby union. Noah Lolesio and young Tom Lynagh are solid fly-halves, but aren’t polarising game-changers. Not so far anyway. Look at the past success of the Wallabies and an elite 10 has always been at the helm. Michael Lynagh in 1991, Stephen Larkham in 1999.

Two of our best fly-halves, it’s been daylight since between them and the next-best candidate.

Eddie Jones made a similar play for Andrew Johns in 2005. Cleary is a better prospect. Johns, while undoubtedly a great – was little in stature compared to the Penrith maestro.

Cleary goes unnoticed for being a strong body, and is ever developing his running game. On Sunday, he was uncharacteristically poor with the shoulder.

He’s usually the best defensive No.7 in the NRL. His kicking apparatus is simply flawless. Yes, at times a little dusty in his return, but the variety of kicks he provides and produces is invaluable. The Wallabies have lacked an in-play kicker for a long time – a player who puts boot to ball on a whim, a chip kick, cheeky grubber, or towering torpedo in mid-field. Enough of the box kick gibber, let’s set off a 10.

If he can lift the Panthers to a fourth consecutive premiership, Cleary will be the crux of a drought-breaking side – one to level up with the 1960s St George outfit (who went on to win 11 in a row). Many argue he is yet to truly dominate Origin. Well, regardless, he has been part of three winning series. Tick checked.

From the current crop of NRL players, he is the glowing Immortal nominee. The stranglehold Cleary has over a game is intimidating, almost obnoxious. Even when the Panthers were down 12 to the Dolphins, he remained calm and continued to bark orders. He inhibits great vision and is forever thinking – not to mention his drop goal heroics. 2020 marked six years since the Wallabies kicked a field goal in a Test. While Bernard Foley broke the hoodoo that year, it’s a s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 that has been booted from green and gold style.

The headlines keeping Cleary in rugby league come down to legacy and family. If he remains in the game, he will get the chance to link up with younger brother Jett in three to four years. Coached by father Ivan, the two would connect as a halves combination. For anyone who plays sport, let alone rugby with a brother, it’s a dream that will very likely become a reality for the Cleary’s. But is blood bigger than coin?

Cutting down Cameron Smith is the second port of call. Smith, deemed the games best player, is also the NRL’s highest capped and holds the gong for most points scored. With 2786 points across 430 games, Cleary is making progress on the former statistic. The No.7 has lodged 1461 points throughout his 165-game career, but it is hard to envision the playmaker running out 265 more times. That’s 10 full seasons, meaning Cleary would have to play until 37 – all free of injury. Not happening.

So what would bring Cleary to rugby union apart from cash?

The World Cup is the drawcard. The international stage is minuscule in rugby league and provides insufficient challenge. While the Kangaroos are gaining competition from sides like Tonga and Samoa, the Rugby World Cup is a different beast. There was a time when it was Australia’s premier sporting event, behind only the Olympics.

In 2027, the Cup comes to Australia. The All Blacks, Springboks, England and France all on home soil – Australia simply can’t bow out before the finals.

Insert marketing supremos. Not only would Cleary look good in a Wallabies jersey. The viewership he would drag over from rugby league fans makes his procurement a worthwhile investment regardless of a successful transition. Israel Folau was a world beater. Cleary not only has freakish ability, but is a media magnet.

Especially given his relationship with Matildas striker Mary Fowler, the Penrith skipper is the NRL’s poster boy. Bringing success for the Wallabies at a World Cup, or even a Bledisloe could solidify his name as Australia’s greatest code convert.

Cleary spent much of his 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥hood in Auckland while his father Ivan was sticking it out at the Warriors. He has spent time learning off All Blacks legend Daniel Carter – who is arguably the best kicker rugby union has ever seen.

Of course, he would have to perform at club and Super Rugby level to justify international selection. Concepts at the ruck can be learnt easily, its the defensive and attacking mechanisms he would have to adjust to. Learning the art of clearance and set-piece play is the main query.

Playing off the back of shape and block structure is increasing in union, which Cleary is well accustomed too. But with front-foot ball, that’s where his positional play comes into fruition. Cleary has a knack at building momentum. He touches the ball three times a set and knows how to get the best out of both forwards and backs. Jarome Luai can thank the No.7 for his high price tag.

Persuading the halfback towards World Cup glory is one thing, but the hefty recruitment charge and swiftness to act is another. Penrith are already in talks with the father and son about a lock-in contract until 2032. Nathan would rake in $1.5million a year, while Ivan would pocket a modest $1.2million.

If Joseph Suaalii is worth $5milllion on a three-year deal, Cleary is worth eight. The powers at play will need deep pockets for such a move, but it’s a lure that could reinvigorate Australian rugby union and pay dividends.

Suaalii won’t win Australia a World Cup and Cleary may not lead the Wallabies to a final berth or a Bledisloe. But the prospect of the two in Wallaby colours – it’s a punt worth the pain. Rob Valentini off the hip of Cleary, yes please.