See footy supremo Peter V’landys’ three-word plan of action if Nathan Cleary leaves the NRL to be with Mary Fowler

Peter V’landys has exclusively told Daily Mail Australia what he would do if rumors of Nathan Cleary switching to English footy to be with his girlfriend Mary Fowler came true.

The chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission was present at the draw for next Saturday’s Everest race when asked about the possibility of the Penrith superstar moving to Super League and replied: “I would tackle him.”

V’landys’ response was lighthearted, but it still shows how sensitive the NRL is to the prospect of losing the best player in the world.

Rumors of a possible move for Manchester City star Fowler began circulating before the Panthers won their fourth successive grand final, and were given a boost when football legend and TV star Matty Johns expressed his fears that the move could become a reality.

“My only fear with Nathan is that if he goes to England he’ll pretty much be in the spotlight, or he’ll be in the backyard of these big French rugby clubs and European rugby clubs,” Johns said.

“And there would be the temptation (to poach him). Some of them (rugby clubs) would probably want to make a bid sooner or later, that’s the only thing I would worry about.”

Last week, Penrith CEO Brian Fletcher set tongues wagging when he said the club’s head of football, Matt Cameron, should ‘bring Mary back to Australia’ so Cleary will have no reason to leave the team.

The halfback discussed the issue when he appeared on British television last weekend while attending the Super League grand final between Wigan and Hull Kingston Rovers with Fowler.

Footy supremo Peter V’landys (pictured) had a simple answer when Daily Mail Australia asked what he would do if the Penrith star tried to leave: ‘I would tackle him’

Cleary refused to completely rule out the prospect of playing in Britain as he and Fowler attended the Super League grand final last weekend (pictured)

‘There have been persistent rumors and they just won’t go away that we might see you playing in the Super League in the not too distant future as Mary Fowler, your beautiful girlfriend, is here playing for Manchester City. So when can we see you in Super League – maybe Hull KR?’ asked TV commentator Jenna Brooks.

“Not that fast, to be honest,” Cleary replied.

‘I’ve seen all the rumours. But come over here and visit her [Mary] play, which is fun, and take a break.

“But I won’t be moving here anytime soon.”

Fowler (pictured wearing a Penrith jersey at this year’s NRL grand final) has virtually no chance of moving Down Under while still at Manchester City

Footy great Kris Radlinski – who was a star for Wigan before becoming the club’s CEO – later made a prediction about what would happen if Cleary decides to pursue a life in England.

‘It’s clear he’s the best player in the world. What he has done for years is excellent. And to have him there at Old Trafford on Saturday night was fantastic,” Radlinski said, referring to the grand final.

“I’m sure he saw the opportunity and part of him wanted to do it. If Nathan’s name came out, everyone would try to sign him.”

Cleary was also photographed with Hull KR star Micky McIlorum and his good friend and former Panther, Tyrone May, ahead of the Super League grand final.

The Penrith star also wore a Hull KR jersey at the match, which he attended with Fowler.