Nathan Cleary

Last updated

Nathan Cleary
Nathan Cleary post match 2021 RLWC Final.jpg
Cleary in 2022
Personal information
Born (1997-11-14) 14 November 1997 (age 27)
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Height182 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Weight90 kg (200 lb; 14 st 2 lb)
Playing information
Position Halfback
Club
YearsTeamPldTGFGP
2016– Penrith Panthers 17261638161539
Representative
YearsTeamPldTGFGP
2017 City NSW 10000
2018–23 New South Wales 14243094
2022 Australia 5132068
Source: [1] [2]
As of 6 October 2024
Father Ivan Cleary
Relatives Jason Death (uncle)
Josh Stuart (uncle)

Nathan Cleary (born 14 November 1997) is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who plays as a halfback for the Penrith Panthers in the National Rugby League and Australia at international level. He won the Clive Churchill Medal in 2021 and 2023 as well as Dally M Halfback of the year in 2020 and 2021. As co-captain, Cleary also led the Penrith Panthers to 5 consecutive grand final appearances, including four consecutive premiership wins from 2021 to 2024. He is considered one of the best halfbacks of all time, and is predicted by several previous greats of the NRL including Cameron Smith, Andrew Johns, Cooper Cronk, and Johnathan Thurston to become the greatest player in history, should his career continue on its current trajectory.

Contents

He has represented the NSW Blues in State of Origin, played for City NSW and played for Australia at international level.

Background

Cleary is the son of coach and former professional rugby league footballer Ivan Cleary who coaches him at the Penrith Panthers. [3]

Cleary was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

He spent a number of his childhood years living in Auckland, New Zealand while his father was playing for, and later coaching, the New Zealand Warriors. He attended Sacred Heart College, Auckland for two years and, having grown up playing soccer, Cleary switched to rugby league during his pre-teens, playing at a junior level for the Mount Albert Lions in Auckland and the Penrith Brothers in Sydney. [4] [5] He completed his HSC while attending St Dominic's College, Penrith in 2015, where he was a prefect. [6]

Cleary is of Croatian and Ukrainian descent. [7] [8] He is the nephew of Josh Stuart and Jason Death. [9] He previously held a New Zealand passport. [10]

Playing career

Cleary playing for the Windsor Wolves in 2015 Nathancleary.jpg
Cleary playing for the Windsor Wolves in 2015
Cleary playing in the NYC in 2015 Nathan Cleary.jpg
Cleary playing in the NYC in 2015

Early career

Cleary progressed through the Penrith club's junior system, playing in their Harold Matthews Cup (under 16) [11] and S. G. Ball Cup (under 18) teams, the latter of which he captained in 2015.

He appeared for the Windsor Wolves in the Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield in a handful of games, [12] [13] before being called into Penrith's National Youth Competition (under 20) squad mid-season. [6] Cleary was unavailable to play in Penrith's 2015 NYC Grand Final winning team due to his selection in the Australian Schoolboys team, [14] whom he captained during their two match series against New Zealand under-18s. [15] Cleary played 20 games, scoring 11 tries and kicking 109 goals for 262 points in his U20s career from 2015 to 2016. [16]

2016

Starting the season as Penrith's first-choice halfback in the NYC, Cleary was selected to play for the Junior Kangaroos against the Junior Kiwis in May, where he played at five-eighth scoring a try and kicking 5 goals in the 34-20 win. [17] He made his New South Wales Cup debut for the Penrith club in round 11, the only game he'd play in that competition in 2016. [18] [19] On 2 June, He extended his contract with the Panthers until the end of the 2019 season; [18] his decision to do so voided a 'father-son' clause in his contract, which would have allowed him to leave the club following his father's dismissal as Penrith's head coach late the previous year, had he so pleased. [20]

Two days after the signing, in round 13, Cleary made his NRL debut for the Penrith Panthers against the Melbourne Storm at five-eighth. Despite a 6-24 defeat at AAMI Park, Cleary had a great debut; making 38 tackles. [21] [22] [23] The next week against the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, Cleary scored his first NRL try, as well as kicking five goals in Penrith's 31-24 win at Brookvale Oval. [24] Following a man of the match performance against the South Sydney Rabbitohs in round 15, The Daily Telegraph said of Cleary: "[it's] hard to believe he is only 18 playing his third NRL game. Composed under pressure, kicked well and supported inside for a crucial second half try." [25]

After the departure of seasoned half Jamie Soward and Peter Wallace shifting to hooker, Cleary remained at halfback for the rest of the season. [26] He was in the race for the rookie of the year award, but lost to the Gold Coast Titans halfback, Ashley Taylor. [27] [28] He finished his debut season with 3 tries and 52 goals from 15 matches. He was the Penrith club's highest point-scorer with 116 points. Cleary was rewarded with being named in the emerging NSW Blues squad. [29]

2017

Cleary was named in Penrith's squad for the 2017 NRL Auckland Nines. [30] On 1 May, Cleary was named in the NSW City Origin representative team to play in the last ever City vs Country game. [31]

He finished the season as highest pointscorer in the NRL with a total of 228 points, the youngest player to achieve this since 1913. He played in all 26 games for the Penrith club, scoring 11 tries and kicking 92 goals. Cleary also became the youngest player ever to score 200 points in a season. [32]

2018

Cleary started the 2018 season as possibly the NRL's form player before suffering a knee injury in Round 3 against Canterbury-Bankstown where Penrith lost 20-18 at ANZ Stadium. [33] While he was out with the injury, Cleary was still leading in contention for the halfback spot for New South Wales. Cleary made his return to the field in Round 11 against his father's team the Wests Tigers, where he helped steer the Penrith club to a 16-2 victory at Penrith Stadium. [34] In his next performance in Round 12 against table toppers the St George Illawarra Dragons, Cleary earned his spot in the New South Wales squad after a fine match, scoring a try as Penrith won convincingly 28-2 at Penrith Stadium. [35]

On 6 June 2018, Cleary made his debut for New South Wales in Game 1 of the 2018 State of Origin series against Queensland, starting at halfback in the 22-12 win at the MCG. [36] [37] Later that week, he kicked the match winning field goal in Penrith's 23–22 win over Canberra at GIO Stadium. [38] He played in all 3 Origin games that year for the Blues at halfback.

Cleary in 2018 Nathan Cleary 2018.jpg
Cleary in 2018
Cleary pre-game for Australia in 2022 Nathan Cleary Australia.jpg
Cleary pre-game for Australia in 2022

2019

In the opening rounds of the 2019 season, Cleary had been criticized by sections of the media and fans for Penrith's underwhelming start to the season. In Round 4, Cleary kicked a goal from the sideline after the final siren to send their game against the Wests Tigers into extra time. Cleary then kicked a 40 metre field goal to win the game for Penrith 9-8. [39] [40]

On 27 May, Cleary was selected at halfback for New South Wales in Game 1 of the 2019 State of Origin series despite his lacklustre start to the year and with Penrith only managing 2 wins from their first 9 games. Despite New South Wales losing the first game, Cleary was retained for the second game in Perth which New South Wales won 38-6 at Perth Stadium. [41] [42]

In Round 18 against St George, Cleary scored a try and kicked 6 goals as Penrith won the match 40-18 at Penrith Park. [43]

In round 25, the final game of the year, Cleary scored 4 tries and kicked 9 goals in their 54-10 victory over Newcastle. In this game Cleary scored 34 points to have the 2nd most points scored in a single game in the NRL. Cleary put on a master class despite this game having no impact on the finals as Penrith finished a disappointing 10th. [44]

2020

In round 12, Cleary scored one try and kicked seven goals as Penrith defeated Manly 42–12 at Brookvale Oval. [45]

In the 2020 qualifying final against the Sydney Roosters, Cleary scored a hat-trick and kicked a field goal in Penrith's 29–28 victory. [46]

Cleary played a total of 21 games for Penrith in the 2020 NRL season including the grand final. He threw a pass in the first half of the match which was intercepted by Melbourne winger Suliasi Vunivalu who raced away to score a try at a pivotal moment in the game, but scored a last minute try and kicked two goals in the 26–20 loss. [47]

Cleary was selected by New South Wales for the 2020 State of Origin series. He played poorly in the game 1 loss, with Andrew Johns calling for him to be dropped. [48] Roy Masters said, "Cleary has a weakness and the Maroons have identified it. Cleary's below-par performances in the NRL grand final and the first State of Origin match are directly related to the pressure imposed on his kicking game." [49] He was awarded man of the match in game 2 of the series, where he was praised for his exceptional kicking game, [50] but another loss in game 3 saw a shock 2-1 series defeat. [51] He said after, "2020 as a whole has been a roller coaster, really. I've ridden the highs and lows. I've lost some pretty big games in the last month." [52]

2021

In round 10, Cleary scored a hat-trick and kicked eight goals in Penrith's 48-12 victory over the Gold Coast. [53] The following week, he scored two tries and kicked ten goals in Penrith's 56-12 victory over South Sydney. [54]

Cleary kicked eight goals for New South Wales in the opening game of the 2021 State of Origin series as they defeated Queensland 50-6. [55] [56]

On 30 June, it was announced Cleary would be unable to play for an indefinite period after suffering a shoulder injury. [57] In round 22, he made his return to the Penrith team in a 34-16 victory over St. George Illawarra. [58]

Cleary played a total of 20 games for Penrith in the 2021 NRL season including the club's 2021 NRL Grand Final victory over South Sydney. Cleary was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal for being man of the match. [59] He was also named Dally M Halfback of the year. [60]

On 19 October, Cleary was handed a proposed $7000 fine by the NRL and a breach notice which alleges that he acted contrary to the best interests of the game after he was photographed on social media acting in a disrespectful manner toward the NRL Telstra Premiership Trophy. Although Cleary nor any of the Penrith players had broken the trophy, the NRL alleges Cleary and teammate Stephen Crichton showed disrespect towards the individuals depicted in the iconic moment memorialised on the Trophy. [61]

2022

On 29 May, Cleary was selected by New South Wales to play in game one of the 2022 State of Origin series. [62]

In round 14 of the 2022 NRL season, Cleary scored a try and kicked seven goals in Penrith's 42-6 victory over Newcastle. [63]

In game 2 of the 2022 State of Origin series, Cleary scored two tries and kicked eight goals in New South Wales 44-12 victory over Queensland. [64]

In game 3, New South Wales were behind 16-12 against Queensland with less than two minutes remaining when Cleary elected a chip kick over the top of the defensive line which was intercepted by Queensland's Ben Hunt who ran 70 metres to score the match winning try. [65] In round 20, Cleary was sent off in Penrith's 34-10 loss against Parramatta for a dangerous lifting tackle. [66]

On 30 July, Cleary was suspended for five games over the tackle which meant he would miss the remainder of the 2022 regular season. [67]

In the 2022 Qualifying Final, Cleary returned to the Penrith side and put in a man of the match performance in the club's 27-8 victory over Parramatta. [68]

Cleary playing for the Kangaroos in 2022 Nathan Cleary Kangaroos.jpg
Cleary playing for the Kangaroos in 2022

Cleary played for 17 games for Penrith throughout the year including their 2022 NRL Grand Final victory over Parramatta. [69]

In October he was named in the Australia squad for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup. [70] In the second match of Australia's 2021 Rugby League World Cup campaign, Cleary made his debut for Australia scoring one try and kicking 12 goals during an 84-0 victory over Scotland. [71] Cleary played for Australia in their 2021 Rugby League World Cup final victory over Samoa. [72]

Cleary preparing to kick a goal in the 2021 RLWC Final for the Kangaroos in 2022 Nathan Cleary kick at goal in the 2021 RLWC Final.jpg
Cleary preparing to kick a goal in the 2021 RLWC Final for the Kangaroos in 2022

2023

On 18 February, Cleary played in Penrith's 13-12 upset loss to St Helens RFC in the 2023 World Club Challenge. [73] In round 4 of the 2023 NRL season, Cleary kicked a two-point field goal from 40 metres out with seconds remaining to tie the game between Penrith and Parramatta at 16-16. Penrith would go on to lose the match 17-16 in golden point extra-time. [74] The following week, Cleary scored one try, kicked eight goals and one field goal in Penrith's 53-12 victory over Canberra. [75]

In round 6, Cleary scored two tries and kicked seven goals in Penrith's 44-12 victory over Manly. [76] In round 7, Cleary kicked two field goals including the winner during Penrith's 16-15 golden point extra-time victory over Newcastle. [77] On 22 May, Cleary was selected by New South Wales for game one of the 2023 State of Origin series. [78]

In round 14, Cleary was taken from the field during Penrith's 26-18 victory over St. George Illawarra with a leg injury. It was later announced that Cleary would be ruled out for up to six weeks with a torn hamstring. [79] In round 21, Cleary made his return to the Penrith side in their 44-18 victory over Canterbury. [80]

In the 2023 preliminary final, Cleary scored a try and kicked seven goals in Penrith's dominant 38-4 victory over Melbourne. [81]

Cleary played 22 matches for Penrith in the 2023 NRL season including the club's 26-24 victory over Brisbane in the 2023 NRL Grand Final as Penrith won their third straight premiership. Cleary won the Clive Churchill medal as man of the match after he inspired the Penrith side to come back from a 16 point deficit with less than 20 minutes to go, the largest successful Grand Final turnaround of NRL history despite suffering a grade 3 torn PCL in the ninth minute of the match. With star team-mates Jarome Luai (shoulder), Isaah Yeo and Scott Sorensen (both HIA) forced from the field, Cleary remarkably orchestrated the comeback effort with involvements in all three tries. He assisted Moses Leota (62 mins) and Stephen Crichton (67 mins), before scoring the winning try himself with less than three minutes remaining. [82]

2024

On 24 February, Cleary played in Penrith's 2024 World Club Challenge final loss against the Wigan Warriors. Cleary scored a try during the first half of the match. [83] On 25 March, it was announced that Cleary would be ruled out for a month with a hamstring injury. [84] On 12 May it was announced that Cleary would again be ruled out for eight weeks after he re-injured his hamstring in Penrith's round 10 win against Canterbury. [85] [86] In round 20, Cleary made his return to the Penrith team and kicked a two-point field goal in golden point extra-time as they defeated the Dolphins 28–26. [87] The following week, Cleary scored a hat-trick and kicked seven goals in Penrith's 46–10 victory over St. George Illawarra. In round 24, Cleary suffered a shoulder injury in Penrith's narrow loss to Melbourne and was ruled out for an indefinite period. [88] Cleary made his return to the Penrith lineup in their 30–10 qualifying final victory over the Sydney Roosters. [89] Cleary played a total of 13 matches for Penrith in the 2024 NRL season including the clubs 14–6 grand final victory over the Melbourne Storm. [90]

Honours

Individual

Penrith Panthers

New South Wales

Australia

Statistics

Club

Denotes seasons in which Cleary won an NRL Premiership
SeasonTeamMatchesTGGK %F/GPts
2016 Penrith Panthers square flag icon with 2020 colours.svg Penrith 1535380.30%0118
201726119290.20%0228
20181744078.43%298
201921105887.88%1157
20202188679.63%4208
2021†20109485.45%2 [a] 231
2022†1737685.39%1165
2023†2288983.96%5 [b] 216
2024†1345081.97%1118
Career totals1726163884.06%161539

Head-to-head records

OpponentPlayedWonDrawnLostWin %
Newcastle colours.svg Knights 980189
Gold Coast Titans colours.svg Titans 870188
Manly Sea Eagles colours.svg Sea Eagles 12100283
Canterbury colours.svg Bulldogs 1080280
North Queensland colours.svg Cowboys 860275
Canberra colours.svg Raiders 1180373
Eastern Suburbs colours.svg Roosters 1180373
Wests Tigers colours.svg Tigers 1180373
St. George Illawarra colours.svg Dragons 750271
Auckland colours.svg Warriors 1070370
South Sydney colours.svg Rabbitohs 16110569
Cronulla colours.svg Sharks 1060460
Melbourne colours.svg Storm 1060460
Parramatta colours.svg Eels 1580753
Brisbane colours.svg Broncos 1050550

Points vs every team

OpponentPlayedTriesGoalsField GoalsTotal Points
South Sydney colours.svg Rabbitohs 166561137
Manly Sea Eagles colours.svg Sea Eagles 124510118
Newcastle colours.svg Knights 96452116
Eastern Suburbs colours.svg Roosters 115471115
Canberra colours.svg Raiders 115442114
Parramatta colours.svg Eels 153452*105
Cronulla colours.svg Sharks 10343098
Auckland colours.svg Warriors 10438092
Gold Coast Titans colours.svg Titans 8533187
Brisbane colours.svg Broncos 103323*80
Wests Tigers colours.svg Tigers 11136278
Canterbury colours.svg Bulldogs 10137078
North Queensland colours.svg Cowboys 8526072
Melbourne colours.svg Storm 10227163
St. George Illawarra colours.svg Dragons 7322056

Personal life

Cleary is co-owner of Drink West Brewery with Tyson Pedro and Tai Tuivasa. [91]

In October 2023, Cleary announced his support for the Yes campaign for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. [92]

In August 2023, Cleary started dating Australian Matildas star Mary Fowler. The two went public with their relationship in January 2024. [93]

Controversy

Coronavirus controversy

On 28 April 2020, Cleary was fined $10,000 by the NRL after breaking isolation protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cleary was pictured at his home with a group of women on Anzac Day, and the photo was uploaded to social media. Cleary later apologised to the Penrith club and his teammates over the incident. [94]

However, a video of Cleary dancing with the women then emerged, thus bringing the validity of his apology into question. For lying about the incident, Cleary was hit with a two-match ban as well as a $30,000 fine. [95] It was then revealed that Cleary lied about the girls visiting his house and actually went to pick them up. [96]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Penrith Panthers</span> Australian rugby league football club

The Penrith Panthers are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the Greater Western Sydney suburb of Penrith that competes in the National Rugby League (NRL). The team is based 55 km (34 mi) west of the centre of Sydney, at the foot of the Blue Mountains. Penrith are the current reigning NRL Premiers, having won the title six times, including the last four times consecutively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ivan Cleary</span> Australian rugby league coach and former rugby league footballer

Ivan Cleary is an Australian professional rugby league coach who is the head coach of the Penrith Panthers in the National Rugby League (NRL) and a former professional rugby league footballer who played as a fullback and centre in the 1990s and 2000s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jamie Soward</span> Australian rugby league footballer & coach (born 1984)

Jamie Soward is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer, and the former head-coach of St. George Illawarra Dragons Women in the NRLW.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Luke Lewis</span> Australia international rugby league footballer

Luke Lewis is an Australian rugby league commentator and former professional rugby league footballer who played for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and the Penrith Panthers in the National Rugby League (NRL) and Australia at international level.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">James Maloney (rugby league)</span> Australia international rugby league footballer

James Maloney is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer and former assistant coach for the North Queensland Cowboys.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wade Graham</span> Australia international rugby league footballer

Wade Graham is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer who played as a second-row forward and captained the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in the National Rugby League (NRL). He has played for Australia at international level.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adam Reynolds</span> Australian rugby league footballer

Adam Reynolds is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who captains and plays as a halfback for the Brisbane Broncos in the National Rugby League (NRL).

Apisai Koroisau is a Fiji international rugby league footballer who plays as a hooker and is the captain of the Wests Tigers in the National Rugby League (NRL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Isaah Yeo</span> Australia international rugby league footballer

Isaah Patrick Ferguson-Yeo is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who plays as a lock and second-row forward for the Penrith Panthers in the NRL and Australia at international level. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest locks in NRL history. He currently is co captain of the Penrith Panthers, Vice captain of the New South Wales Blues and is the captain of the Australian Kangaroos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mitchell Moses</span> Australian rugby league footballer

Mitchell Moses is a professional rugby league footballer who plays as a halfback for the Parramatta Eels in the National Rugby League (NRL). He also captained the Lebanon national team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Siosifa Talakai</span> Tonga international rugby league footballer

Siosifa Talakai is an Australian rugby league footballer who plays as a centre or second-row forward for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in the National Rugby League (NRL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jarome Luai</span> Samoan international & National Rugby League (NRL) rugby league footballer

Jarome Luai is an Australian rugby league footballer who represents Samoa. He plays as a halfback for the Wests Tigers in the NRL. He previously played for the Penrith Panthers, where he was a four time premiership winning player; he has also represented Samoa at test and 9's level, the NSW Blues in State of Origin and the Māori All Stars in the annual NRL All Stars match. He won the 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 NRL Grand Finals with the Penrith Panthers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sean O'Sullivan (rugby league)</span> Australian rugby league footballer

Sean Thomas O'Sullivan is an Australian rugby league footballer who plays as a halfback for the Dolphins in the National Rugby League (NRL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jaeman Salmon</span> Australian rugby league footballer

Jaeman Salmon is a professional rugby league footballer who plays as a lock or second-row forward for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in the National Rugby League (NRL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Liam Martin</span> Australia international rugby league footballer

Liam Martin is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who plays as a second-row forward for the Penrith Panthers in the National Rugby League and Australia at international level.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brian To'o</span> Australian rugby league footballer

Brian To'o is an Australian and Samoa international rugby league footballer who plays as a winger for the Penrith Panthers in the NRL.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matt Burton</span> Australia international rugby league footballer

Matt "Burto" Burton is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who plays as a five-eighth or halfback for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in the National Rugby League (NRL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stephen Crichton</span> Samoa international rugby league footballer

Stephen Crichton is a Samoan professional rugby league footballer who plays for and captains the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs in the NRL and Samoa at international level. He has represented the NSW Blues in State of Origin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nicho Hynes</span> Australian rugby league footballer

Nicholas Michael Hynes is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who plays as a halfback for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in the National Rugby League (NRL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kurt Falls</span> Australian rugby league player

Kurt Falls is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who plays as a five-eighth for the Brisbane Broncos in the National Rugby League (NRL). He previously played for the Penrith Panthers.

References

  1. "Nathan Cleary – Career Stats & Summary". Rugby League Project.
  2. Clutch Cleary with the two-point field goal
  3. "Panthers Team". penrithpanthers.com.au.
  4. Skipwith, David (30 July 2016). "Nathan Cleary a chip and chase off old block". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 29 January 2018.
  5. Chammas, Michael (27 February 2017). "Penrith Panthers' Nathan Cleary only began playing rugby league six years ago". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 29 January 2018.
  6. 1 2 Fahy, Patrick (2 September 2015). "Nathan Cleary making his name in rugby league". Penrith City Gazette.
  7. "Football and rugby league unite for special training session - New Zealand Football". nzfootball.co.nz.
  8. Heming, Wayne (13 September 2017). "Penrith young gun Nathan Cleary's growing case for the title of best teen NRL player ever". The Australian. Retrieved 29 January 2018.
  9. Ritchie, Dean (29 September 2011). "Warriors coach Ivan Cleary grew up in Manly heartland". Perth Now. Retrieved 29 January 2018.
  10. "Blues star Nathan Cleary has revealed he almost declared his allegiance to the Kiwis". Fox Sports. 20 June 2018. Retrieved 22 June 2018.
  11. Pengilly, Adam (29 July 2016). "Penrith Panthers teenager Nathan Cleary mature beyond his years". The Sydney Morning Herald.
  12. Hickey, Conor (14 May 2015). "Windsor Wolves ready for round 9 clash against Mounties". Hawkesbury Gazette. Retrieved 29 January 2018.
  13. "Nathan Cleary - Windsor Wolves 2015". League Unlimited. Retrieved 17 August 2017.
  14. Webeck, Tony (4 October 2015). "Panthers win second Holden Cup title". NRL.com. Retrieved 29 January 2018.
  15. Webeck, Tony (27 September 2015). "Australian Schoolboys defeat NZ". NRL.com.
  16. "18thman - U20s Player Records". 18thman.com. 27 December 2012.
  17. "Nathan Cleary and Jaydn Su'a star in Junior Kangaroos win over Junior Kiwis". The Sydney Morning Herald. 7 May 2016.
  18. 1 2 "Young guns extend their deals". penrithpanthers.com.au. 2 June 2016.
  19. "Season Review | Penrith Panthers". NSWRL.com.au. 7 September 2016. Retrieved 29 January 2018. While young gun Nathan Cleary has been a superstar rookie in the NRL, the Intrust Super Premiership NSW side did not benefit from his services; Cleary only played in the Panthers' Round 11 win before debuting in first grade, with the relatively unique path of transitioning from the Holden Cup directly into the NRL.
  20. Chammas, Michael (26 June 2016). "Nathan Cleary opts against reactivating father-son get-out clause at Penrith Panthers". The Sydney Morning Herald.
  21. Proszenko, Adrian (3 June 2016). "Penrith Panthers teen Nathan Cleary tipped to make NRL debut against Storm". The Sydney Morning Herald.
  22. "Cleary taking Panthers to a new level". The Courier-Mail. 26 August 2016.
  23. "Super Cooper's brave dig leads perfect Storm". Daily Telegraph.
  24. "Penrith ice stunning comeback at Brookvale". NRL.com. 12 June 2016.
  25. Toohey, Barry (24 June 2016). "Penrith Panthers v South Sydney Rabbitohs player ratings: Who flew, who flopped?". Daily Telegraph.
  26. "Stats Insider: The evidence of Nathan Cleary's impact on the Panthers". Fox Sports. 16 September 2016.
  27. "Ash burns rivals in NRL's top rookie race". The Daily Telegraph. 28 September 2016.
  28. "Top 10 rookies of the year". NRL.com. 7 September 2016.
  29. "Penrith Panthers rookie Nathan Cleary picked in Emerging NSW Blues Origin squad". The Sydney Morning Herald. 7 December 2016.
  30. "2017 Auckland Nines squads: Every player named for the tournament". The Roar. 28 February 2017. Retrieved 17 August 2017.
  31. "2017 City Origin side named". NRL.com. 1 May 2017. Retrieved 17 August 2017.
  32. "NRL history books beckon for Penrith's Nathan Cleary". wwos.nine.com.au. 18 July 2017.
  33. "Penrith Panthers NRL 2018: Nathan Cleary knee injury to sideline star half for extended period". Fox Sports. 24 March 2018.
  34. "Dailytelegraph.com.au - Subscribe to The Daily Telegraph for exclusive stories". www.dailytelegraph.com.au.
  35. "Cleary, Maloney star as Panthers outplay Dragons". nrl.com. 26 May 2018.
  36. "State of Origin: NSW Blues halfback Nathan Cleary goes from very nervous to match winner". nrl.com. 6 June 2018.
  37. "Nathan Cleary NSW Blues State of Origin debut, Brad Fittler on defence, tackles". Fox Sports. 4 June 2018.
  38. Campbell, Jye (8 June 2018). "Cool Cleary kicks Panthers to victory – Panthers". penrithpanthers.com. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
  39. "The unseen hours that led to Nathan Cleary's stunning clutch plays". www.foxsports.com.au. 7 April 2019.
  40. "'I've dreamt about it': Cleary's golden moment". www.nrl.com. 5 April 2019.
  41. "Fitness no issue for Graham as NSW consider Cleary replacements". NRL. 24 June 2019.
  42. "Queensland name three State of Origin debutants for Game I". The Guardian. 26 May 2019.
  43. "Hot Panthers to keep riding rookie wave". 7News. 19 July 2019.
  44. "Nathan Cleary breaks club record as Penrith Panthers send James Maloney out a winner". WWOS. 8 September 2019.
  45. "Charlie Staines stars in massive Penrith win over Manly". www.espn.com.au. August 2020.
  46. "Ivan full of praise for Nathan's composure". www.nrl.com. 2 October 2020.
  47. Hytner, Mike (25 October 2020). "Melbourne Storm beat Penrith Panthers as it happened". The Guardian.
  48. Andrew Webster. "Joey sees Cleary now: Bench Panthers star for game two". Sydney Morning Herald.
  49. Roy Masters. "Queensland's Storm connection have unlocked secret to stopping Cleary". Sydney Morning Herald.
  50. James Matthey. "Nathan Cleary plays an Origin blinder as critics eat their words". news.com.au.
  51. Howcroft, Jonathan (18 November 2020). "State of Origin 2020 game 3: Qld Maroons beat NSW Blues – as it happened". The Guardian.
  52. Phil Lutton. "Cleary determined to rebound after another loss on the big stage". Sydney Morning Herald.
  53. "Penrith, Parramatta and Melbourne — all score wins on final day of Magic Round". ABC News. 16 May 2021.
  54. "Souths duo fall flat in Blues battle as 'untouchable' Panther carves up on home soil: 3 Big Hits". www.foxsports.com.au. 23 May 2021.
  55. "NSW Origin team: Luai gets nod for Freddie's fresh-faced Blues". www.nrl.com. 30 May 2021.
  56. "NSW Blues win State of Origin series opener 50-6 against Queensland Maroons". ABC News. 9 June 2021. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
  57. "Panther's Nathan Cleary puts off season-ending shoulder surgery in bid to return before NRL finals". ABC News. 30 June 2021.
  58. "Sydney Roosters beat Brisbane Broncos 21-20, Penrith defeats St George Illawarra 34-16". ABC News. 13 August 2021.
  59. "One of finest NRL grand finals of all time provides cure to difficult season". www.theguardian.com. 3 October 2021.
  60. McMurtry, Andrew (27 September 2021). "2021 NRL Dally M Awards Live: Tom Trbojevic crowned NRL's best". News.com.au.
  61. "May stood down as Panthers trio cop breach notices for post-GF celebrations". www.foxsports.com.au. 19 October 2021.
  62. "Wighton starts at centre as Blues confirm lineup for Game One". www.nrl.com. 30 May 2022.
  63. "Penrith Panthers welcome back Origin stars in win over Newcastle, as Warriors and Tigers' new coaches lose first games in charge". ABC News. 12 June 2022.
  64. "Cleary's stunning response as recalled star, debutant shine: NSW Player Ratings". www.foxsports.com.au. 26 June 2022.
  65. "'Tad ridiculous': Fittler questions Burton binning". www.nrl.com. 13 July 2022.
  66. "Penrith's halves crisis deepens in huge Cleary blow as Eels spine sizzles in rout: 3 Big Hits". www.foxsports.com.au. 29 July 2022.
  67. "Nathan Cleary 'filthy', hit with monster ban after being sent off". www.news.com.au.
  68. "Cleary drops jaws with perfect return; flyer back to best with 222m stunner: Penrith ratings". www.foxsports.com.au. 9 September 2022.
  69. "'Parra are our sons': Panther's cheeky Eels sledge as stars run riot, Luai has another dig". www.foxsports.com.au. 3 October 2022.
  70. Full list of every squad at the Rugby League World Cup 2021
  71. "Rugby League World Cup: Australia thrash Scotland 84-0". BBC Sport. 21 October 2022.
  72. McLaughlin, Luke (19 November 2022). "Australia 30-10 Samoa: Rugby League World Cup final – as it happened". The Guardian.
  73. "St Helens: World Club Challenge win 'seismic for British rugby league'". BBC Sport. 19 February 2023.
  74. "Moses the saviour as Eels win dramatic Grand Final rematch". www.nrl.com. 23 March 2023.
  75. "'It was a mug's comment': Kenty blasts lack of 'class and humility' at Panthers". www.foxsports.com.au. 3 April 2023.
  76. "Brisbane Broncos' unbeaten NRL run ends in 20-14 loss to Canberra as Penrith thrashes Manly 44-12". ABC News. 8 April 2023.
  77. "Iceman Cleary's epic golden point winner breaks brave Knights' hearts in fiery thriller - 3 Big Hits". www.foxsports.com.au. 15 April 2023.
  78. "Graham ruled out for Blues, trio to debut as Fittler makes 'gamble'". www.nrl.com. 23 May 2023.
  79. "Nathan Cleary out for six weeks with hamstring injury after Panthers win over Dragons, Roosters edge Bulldogs, Cowboys thrash Storm". ABC News. 4 June 2023.
  80. "Sea Eagles hold off Sharks to win 30-26, Panthers thrash Bulldogs 44-18 to stay top of NRL ladder". ABC News. 23 July 2023.
  81. "Brian To'o hat-trick fires Panthers past stunned Storm into NRL grand final". The Guardian. 22 September 2023.
  82. Howcroft, Jonathan (October 2023). "NRL grand final 2023: Penrith Panthers defeat Brisbane Broncos – as it happened". The Guardian.
  83. "World Club Challenge: Wigan Warriors 16-12 Penrith Panthers - Cherry and Whites crowned world champions for fifth time". BBC Sport. 24 February 2024.
  84. "Panthers rocked by major Cleary injury blow ahead of blockbuster as two debutants loom". www.foxsports.com.au. 25 March 2024.
  85. "Westfund Injury Update: Nathan Cleary". Penrith Panthers. 11 May 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  86. McCartney, Damien (11 May 2024). "Cleary to miss Origin as Blues' worst fears confirmed". wwos.nine.com.au. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  87. "Cleary breaks Dolphins hearts with epic 43m winner to complete wild comeback: What we learned". www.foxsports.com.au. 21 July 2024.
  88. "Cleary, Luai modify roles as Panthers eye fourth title". www.nrl.com. 30 July 2024.
  89. "Perfect Panthers cook Chooks to book fifth straight prelim berth after historic first half". www.foxsports.com.au.
  90. "NRL grand final 2024 quick hits: Biting allegation, Panthers halves swansong and a controversial bunker decision". www.abc.net.au.
  91. "Drink West Becomes the Official Beer Partner of UFC in Australia". UFC . 4 May 2022. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  92. Snape, Jack (2 October 2023). "NRL grand final hero Nathan Cleary states support for yes vote in voice referendum". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  93. "Mary Fowler confirms romance with Nathan Cleary". 20 January 2024. Retrieved 5 March 2024.
  94. "Nathan Cleary third NRL player investigated for breaching coronavirus restrictions". www.theguardian.com. 28 April 2020.
  95. "'Untruthful': Nathan Cleary handed NRL ban over social distancing breach". Guardian. 11 May 2020. Retrieved 12 May 2020.
  96. "NRL had to punish Nathan Cleary for the two lies about his TikTok video". The West. Retrieved 12 May 2020.

Notes

  1. Includes 1 two point field goal.
  2. Includes 1 two point field goal.