James Maloney, a rugby league legend in his own right, has shared fascinating insights into the rise of Nathan Cleary, pinpointing the early traits that set him on the path to greatness. The former playmaker, who partnered with Cleary in the halves during his tenure at the Penrith Panthers, believes that Cleary’s unparalleled work ethic, mental resilience, and dedication to improvement were evident long before he became the linchpin of Penrith’s unprecedented dominance in the NRL.
Maloney, speaking candidly in a recent interview, recalled the formative years of Cleary’s career. “From the moment I joined Penrith, I could see Nathan was different. He had this relentless drive to be better every single day. It wasn’t just talent—it was his willingness to put in the hard yards that stood out,” Maloney said.
One of the key aspects Maloney highlighted was Cleary’s meticulous attention to detail. Whether it was his kicking game, defensive positioning, or overall game management, Cleary exhibited a maturity beyond his years. “At just 19 or 20, he’d be asking questions, reviewing footage, and looking for ways to improve. That’s not something you see in every young player,” Maloney explained.
Cleary’s rise has been nothing short of spectacular, culminating in leading the Panthers to four consecutive NRL Grand Finals, with victories in the last three. His performances on the big stage, including his Clive Churchill Medal-winning efforts, have solidified his reputation as one of the greatest halfbacks of his generation.
But Maloney believes the Panthers’ success is not solely reliant on Cleary’s brilliance. “The culture at Penrith is second to none. There’s a genuine belief in each other and a system that allows young players to thrive. It’s no coincidence that so many local juniors have become stars,” he said.
The Panthers’ ability to retain key personnel and nurture emerging talent has been pivotal to their sustained success. Players like Jarome Luai, Isaah Yeo, and Brian To’o have not only complemented Cleary but have also formed the backbone of a dynasty. Maloney is confident that this combination of leadership, depth, and development can propel the Panthers to an elusive five-peat.
“Five in a row is a massive challenge, but if there’s a team that can do it, it’s this one. They’ve got the hunger, the systems, and the talent. Nathan is at the peak of his powers, and the young guys coming through are ready to step up,” Maloney added.
The road to a five-peat will undoubtedly be fraught with challenges, including player departures, injuries, and the sheer weight of expectation. However, Maloney believes the Panthers have built a dynasty that thrives under pressure. “What’s most impressive is their resilience. Even when they’re down, they find a way to win. That’s the hallmark of a champion team.”
As the Panthers prepare for the 2025 NRL season, all eyes will be on Cleary and his teammates to see if they can etch their names further into the history books. For Maloney, there’s no doubt that Cleary’s early signs of greatness have come to full fruition, and with the foundation the Panthers have laid, the sky’s the limit for what this team can achieve.
