Wigan CEO declares Nathan Cleary wouldn't crack Super League champion side

Wigan Warriors CEO Kris Radlinski has declared that four-time Premiership winner, two-time Clive Churchill and World Cup winner Nathan Cleary isn’t good enough to make the current Wigan side.

Wigan completed a remarkable 2024 season by claiming back-to-back Super League titles with a 9-2 victory over Hull KR in the Grand Final. The Warriors now hold all four major English Rugby League trophies including the World Club Challenge.

Radlinski had nothing but praise for Cleary but was adamant that there was no room for improvement within the Wigan setup.

“I will probably be the only club (owner) in the world to say that Cleary wouldn’t get in our team,” Radlinski told SEN 1170.

“I love him as a player and I love him as a person (but) at the minute, I have Bevan French at six and a guy at number seven called Harry Smith who had an outstanding Grand Final.

“We have got him long-term and I truly believe that the is our future number seven.

“I love what Cleary has done, the relationship he has built with his father and what he has done for the game but I just don’t think he gets in our team.”

Despite an outpour of support from fans and even players including Nathan Cleary, the 2025 World Club Challenge between Wigan and Penrith is unlikely to take place given the cramped schedule which involves the Pacific Championships and the NRL’s opening round in Las Vegas.

Wigan defeated Penrith in controversial circumstances in the previous World Club Challenge and Radlinski said he would be open in defending his title in what would be one of the most highly anticipated rugby league matches ever.

“I understand all the logistics but I see our (Wigan’s) role in all of this,” Radlinski said.

“If we can play in a World Club Challenge game against one of the most outstanding teams of all time in the Penrith Panthers, no matter where in the world it is, we’ll take it.

“Will it be difficult with flights and recovery times? You can come up with a hundred excuses as to why it shouldn’t happen.

“If you ask my head coach would they want to play on the other side of the world at the drop of a hat, every single player would snatch your hand off.

“It’s a great privilege and of course it would be tiring but they put a man on the moon.

“If we can’t go to Australia or America to play a game of rugby, then we will do whatever it takes to get another crack.”

Wigan are set to play Warrington during the 2025 Las Vegas season opener showcase.