Overview: A new rebel threat to the NRL
In a development that has stirred the rugby league community, whispers suggest that Reece Walsh of the Brisbane Broncos and Nathan Cleary of the Penrith Panthers are among the top targets for the fledgling rebel rugby union competition, R360. Reports from The Daily Telegraph indicate that the league’s emphasis on luring marquee players could pose a credible challenge to the NRL’s current hierarchy. While neither player has publicly confirmed any interest, the chatter highlights a broader strategy by R360: assemble a roster of high-profile stars to establish credibility and attract fans and broadcasters.
The alleged hit list and its breadth
Beyond Walsh and Cleary, the rebel project is said to be pursuing a mix of established NRL star power. Reported targets include Melbourne Storm sensation Cameron Munster, Xavier Coates, and Ryan Papenhuyzen, Brisbane’s Payne Haas and Deine Mariner, Warriors winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Parramatta’s pacey back Zac Lomax, and South Sydney fullback Jye Gray. Such a lineup would mirror the early-2000s approach of other cross-code ventures, aiming to secure marquee appeal and competitive depth from day one.
Walsh and Cleary: the potential impact
The focus on Walsh and Cleary is notable for a few reasons. Walsh recently extended his contract with the Broncos through 2029, signaling his commitment to the club and the NRL. Cleary, meanwhile, is entering a period where contract discussions become more nuanced, with his current deal winding toward 2027. The possibility that R360 could offer lucrative terms or offsets — potentially including payout of current contracts — adds a layer of complexity to ongoing negotiations within the NRL universe.
Why Cleary is a “logical” target for R360
Sources cited in Whispers describe Cleary as an easier candidate to “tick off” for recruitment, given his potential relocation options that would place him closer to personal ties, including partners based abroad. The discussion underscores R360’s stated goal: assemble the game’s biggest names first, then rapidly fill the rest of their roster to build a credible, competitive product. The approach mirrors strategies once seen in other leagues seeking to shortcut competitive credibility by branding and star power rather than organic growth alone.
Legal and contractual considerations
The looming question for players and clubs is how contractual obligations would be managed if a switch occurred. NRL contracts are legally binding, but rebel leagues have historically explored mechanisms to entice players with lucrative contracts, release clauses, or compensation agreements. At present, R360 is said to be weighing the legal landscape, including potential conflicts with governing bodies such as NRL HQ, as it contemplates player movement patterns over the next two seasons and beyond.
Timeline and implications for the NRL
R360 is projected to begin play in October 2026, the week of the 2026 NRL Grand Final. This timeline places immediate pressure on clubs, players, and the NRL to articulate a clear stance on the rebel competition. In the interim, talk of ‘priority targets’ and potential rosters will likely intensify, especially if top-tier players begin to show interest or publicly entertain the possibility of crossing codes. The NRL’s response could range from retention strategies to legal challenges and broadcasting negotiations that could determine the league’s long-term health and financial stability.
What comes next
As the whispers continue, stakeholders across the NRL and rugby union will be watching closely how R360 positions itself and whether any concrete offers materialize for Walsh, Cleary, or the other named targets. The evolving landscape raises questions about loyalty, career longevity, and the evolving economics of professional rugby in Australia and beyond.
