Wests Tigers made secret $9 million bid for Nathan Cleary in Mary Fowler package

The Wests Tigers made a secret bid worth around $9 million to lure Nathan Cleary from 2028, in a package deal that would also have seen his partner, Matildas star Mary Fowler, sign with the Central Coast Mariners. The joint offer was worth about $3 million a season combined over three years, with talks believed to have been active until earlier this week. Holman Barnes Group owns both the Tigers and the Mariners' A-League Women team, allowing the two clubs to work together. The proposal was led by Tigers CEO Shaun Mielekamp and approved by HBG boss Daniel Paton, who has since been stood aside pending an investigation, which may end the approach. Cleary is expected to remain at Penrith on a two-year deal with a two-year option in his favour.

By Michael Carayannis, CODE Sports — read the full story