Nathan Cleary, the captain of the Penrith Panthers, has made a triumphant return from a hamstring injury, showcasing his leadership and skill in a nail-biting NRL match against the Dolphins. Cleary’s performance, highlighted by a 45-meter two-point field goal in golden-point time, secured a 28-26 victory for his team. This crucial win keeps the Panthers in second place on the ladder, four points behind Melbourne, with seven games remaining in the season.
Cleary’s return to the field was marked by his determination and focus. Despite trailing by 14 points, his leadership was pivotal in rallying the team to a comeback victory. Reflecting on his performance, Cleary acknowledged that while he felt physically strong, there were areas for improvement, particularly in defense. He emphasized the importance of gradually returning to peak form as he aims for a fourth consecutive premiership with the Panthers. “Physically I felt really good,” Cleary said. “I was a little bit frantic, had a few mistakes, particularly in defense. That’s something to work on. I’m not going to come back and be perfect. Pretty much every time I’ve come back from a layoff I’ve been pretty scratchy. I’ve got a lot of things to get better at but I’m grateful to be back.”
This match marked Cleary’s first appearance since suffering a hamstring tear in Round 10, an injury that saw the team take a cautious approach to his recovery due to previous hamstring issues. Despite the time off, Cleary’s impact was immediate and significant. At BlueBet Stadium, he completed 115 running meters, two line-break assists, and two try assists, contributing to the team’s victory. His accuracy with the boot was particularly vital, successfully converting all five goal attempts and sealing the win with his decisive field goal.
Throughout the game, Cleary’s presence and command of the field were evident. He effectively orchestrated the team’s plays, helping them overcome several uncharacteristic errors. As the match drew to a close, Dolphins playmaker Sione Katoa chose not to attempt a field goal, a decision criticized by coach Wayne Bennett after the game. Cleary, on the other hand, demonstrated his experience and confidence by opting for a long-range field goal attempt, ensuring his team didn’t miss the opportunity.
In summary, Nathan Cleary’s return has not only bolstered the Panthers’ chances for the remainder of the season but has also sent a clear message to their NRL rivals. His leadership, skill, and determination are key components as Penrith strives for another premiership. Cleary’s focus on improving and his ability to perform under pressure highlight his readiness to lead the team in their pursuit of continued success.
