Nathan Cleary, star of the Penrith Panthers, responded to comments questioning whether his team deserved to be regarded as one of the greatest rugby league teams in Australian history. After securing their fourth consecutive premiership title with a 14-6 win over the Melbourne Storm at Accor Stadium, the Panthers solidified their dominance in the NRL. The victory has placed Ivan Cleary’s squad alongside the elite teams in rugby league history, sparking debates about their standing among the sport’s legends.
The Panthers’ four-year reign has drawn comparisons to teams like the St. George Illawarra Dragons, who won 11 straight premierships from 1956 to 1966, a feat that remains unrivaled in the sport. However, while some believe the Panthers are among the best ever, there is still skepticism from those who hold earlier teams in high regard. One such critic is former Parramatta Eels star Ray Price, who dismissed claims that the Panthers are superior to his 1980s Eels squad. Price’s Eels were formidable in their own right, winning three consecutive titles and only narrowly missing a fourth in 1984, when they lost by just two points to the Bulldogs.
When asked if he thought the Panthers could beat his Parramatta side, Price firmly rejected the notion, stating, “No, no, no, no… not a hope.” Despite their dominance, Price doesn’t believe the Panthers have surpassed the greatness of the Eels, reflecting the ongoing debate about how teams from different eras would match up against each other.
Nathan Cleary’s subtle response to these comments suggests that he isn’t concerned with the comparisons or criticisms. For the Panthers and their supporters, the focus is on their remarkable achievements, including securing four straight premierships, which already places them in elite company. Whether or not they are regarded as the greatest team of all time, the Panthers’ dominance in recent years is undeniable, and their legacy in the NRL is now firmly established.
