BREAKING: NRL Superstar Nathan Cleary Secures Multimillion-Dollar Contract with EA Sports for NRL 2026. Leaked Deluxe Edition Cover Features Cleary Alongside Former Dally M Medalist
In an exciting development for the NRL community, superstar Nathan Cleary has secured a multimillion-dollar endorsement deal with video game giant EA Sports. The contract, reportedly worth millions, will see the Penrith Panthers halfback become the face of the upcoming NRL 2026 video game. The game, slated for release later this year, is set to bring fans closer to the sport through a series of immersive features, including a deluxe edition cover that has already captured attention due to a leaked image showing Cleary alongside a former Dally M Medalist.
Cleary, widely regarded as one of the most talented playmakers in the NRL today, has long been a fan favorite due to his incredible skills, leadership on the field, and ability to control a game. The 24-year-old has led the Panthers to multiple premiership victories and is a key figure for both his club and the Australian national team. With this new partnership with EA Sports, Cleary’s marketability extends far beyond the rugby field, as he joins the ranks of some of the biggest names in sports video gaming.
The NRL 2026 video game is expected to be one of the most realistic and exciting releases for rugby league fans worldwide. EA Sports, the creators of the FIFA and Madden NFL series, are known for their cutting-edge graphics and immersive gameplay. As such, the NRL video game is anticipated to showcase all the hard-hitting action, tactics, and excitement that fans have come to expect from the sport. This collaboration with Cleary underscores the growing global appeal of rugby league and the recognition of the NRL as a major player in the sporting world.
The leaked image of the NRL 2026 Deluxe Edition cover has sent fans into a frenzy, as it shows Nathan Cleary alongside a former Dally M Medalist, with speculation running high about who the other player could be. The Dally M Medal is one of the highest individual honors in Australian rugby league, awarded to the best player of the NRL season. The image has yet to be officially confirmed, but it is expected that EA Sports will announce the full cover reveal in the coming weeks.
The inclusion of a former Dally M Medalist on the cover is significant as it highlights the game’s dedication to celebrating the best players the NRL has to offer. Many fans are hoping for the cover to feature a player who has had a significant impact on the competition and whose legacy will stand the test of time. There is also talk that the Deluxe Edition may come with special in-game content, such as exclusive player skins, career mode features, or enhanced stadium experiences, all centered around the stars of the league.
For Nathan Cleary, this contract marks another major milestone in what has already been a decorated career. Having already achieved success on the field, including winning multiple NRL titles with Penrith and representing Australia at an international level, Cleary’s partnership with EA Sports cements his place as one of the sport’s most marketable figures. This deal will also bring significant exposure to the NRL, as it introduces the sport to a global audience that may not traditionally follow rugby league.
Cleary’s new venture into the video game world comes at a time when the popularity of rugby league is growing. The NRL has been making significant strides in increasing its international presence, and the release of a cutting-edge video game featuring some of the sport’s best players could serve as a powerful marketing tool. It also helps that the sport’s fan base continues to evolve, with younger generations particularly drawn to gaming culture.
While fans eagerly await more details about NRL 2026, the Cleary deal with EA Sports is a significant step forward in the relationship between sports and gaming. It reflects a broader trend where top athletes are leveraging their popularity to secure lucrative brand deals and expand their influence beyond their primary sport. Just as major soccer stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have featured on the covers of FIFA, Cleary is now joining an elite group of athletes who help bring their respective sports to life in the digital world.
As the excitement continues to build for the upcoming release of NRL 2026, fans will undoubtedly be hoping that this collaboration with Nathan Cleary will elevate the game to new heights. With the leaked cover sparking anticipation, the upcoming announcements are sure to make NRL 2026 one of the most talked-about sports video games in recent memory.