Nathan Cleary is the biggest star the NRL has had for a long time, so it comes as no surprise that the champion halfback wants to protect his image at all costs.
The Penrith Panthers star’s integrity was brought into question recently, through no fault of his own, after a media outlet illegally used his likeness in a publication following the State of Origin decider on Wednesday night.
Following the clash at Accor Stadium, hundreds of fans were surprised with pamphlets on their windshields in the adjoining car park, which featured an image of Cleary with his arm wrapped around a woman, who was not his partner, Mary Fowler. The pamphlet was published by a company selling rugby league-themed car bonnet covers.
On the publication read, “Way to go Blues! I knew this one had rizz! I’m taking this one home!”
It has been revealed that the firm did not attempt to seek permission from Cleary or his management to use his likeness on their flyer, and made no effort to compensate him.
Cleary’s lawyer, Daniel McGirr, said the incident has become a police matter.
“It’s a disgrace what they’re doing with these guys’ brands,” McGirr told Sydney Morning Herald.
“There’s a couple of avenues that will go down the track of. One of them is civilly, but they are also obtaining a benefit by deception, which is criminal.
We don’t know who is affiliated with these brands, or whether they are real brands to start with.”
McGirr went on to demonstrate the risk of advertisements like this, not only for Cleary but for fans who may buy into them.
“They might be scams. Say the punter on the street thinks, ‘Nathan Cleary is aligned to this, I trust him and he’s my hero.’ They click on it, and they could be taken to some dark web or something like that and get scammed.
“It’s a criminal matter. With AI, this will get worse and worse until something is done about it.”
This scenario has occurred many times in the past, which is why police are now handling the situation with serious authority.
The suspected company in question has not made any public comments as of yet.
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