GOOD NEWS: PANTHER STAR NATHAN CLEARY HAILED AS THE KING OF THE NRL LEAGUES
in a moment that will be remembered fondly by rugby league fans, penrith panthers superstar nathan cleary has officially been hailed as the king of the nrl leagues, solidifying his place among the greatest players of the modern era. the 26-year-old halfback has long been the architect of the panthers’ golden age, and now, his status as the undisputed best has been firmly etched in rugby league folklore.
cleary’s rise to the throne hasn’t come overnight. over the past four seasons, he’s led the panthers to an unprecedented three consecutive premierships from 2021 to 2023, and once again looks poised to make it four. with his pinpoint kicking game, elite game management, and ice-cold composure under pressure, cleary has taken the role of playmaker to new heights.
2025 has already seen the panthers off to a strong start, and cleary’s individual performances have drawn glowing praise from league legends and analysts alike. former nrl great and fox league analyst cooper cronk labelled cleary “a generational talent who’s mastered every element of the game,” while andrew johns called him “the complete footballer – mentally, physically, and tactically.”
fans have joined in the praise, dubbing him “king cleary” across social media after a masterclass performance last weekend, where he scored a try, assisted two more, and orchestrated a 34-6 demolition of a top-tier rival. his leadership and humility have also been central to penrith’s tight-knit culture, which has become the envy of the nrl.
head coach ivan cleary – also his father – spoke with emotion about the recognition, saying, “i’m proud of nathan not just as a player but as a leader. he never stops working to get better, and the boys trust him with everything. this kind of praise is a reflection of the impact he’s had on the game.”
beyond the field, cleary has remained grounded, often crediting his teammates and club for his success. “it’s not just me – we’ve built something special at penrith,” he said after the game. “i’m just grateful to be part of it.”
with state of origin looming, cleary’s form couldn’t be better timed. blues selectors will likely name him as the cornerstone of their campaign, with many already predicting he’ll lead new south wales back to victory.
as the nrl season unfolds, one thing is clear – nathan cleary isn’t just the face of penrith. he’s the face of the league. and with many years still ahead in his career, his reign as rugby league’s king may only just be beginning.
