In the high-octane world of NRL rugby league, talent can only take you so far. But for players like Nathan Cleary, the combination of innate skill, mental fortitude, and a supporting cast of players pushing the boundaries of their own abilities has set the stage for a dynasty. According to former NRL star James Maloney, the signs of Cleary’s greatness were clear from early in their time together at the Penrith Panthers. More than just his skill with the ball, it’s Cleary’s leadership, work ethic, and maturity that has allowed him to dominate the competition and build a legacy that could well lead the Panthers to an unprecedented five-peat.
Early Days: A Glimpse of Greatness
James Maloney, a two-time NRL premiership winner and veteran of the game, has had the unique privilege of playing alongside some of the greatest talents in rugby league. One of those talents was Nathan Cleary, with whom he spent a season at Penrith. Maloney, known for his astute game management and cool-headed approach, immediately saw something in Cleary that many others missed early on.
“I remember when I first arrived at Penrith, Nathan was still quite young, but you could see he was ahead of the curve,” Maloney recalls. “There was a maturity about him that was beyond his years. He didn’t just have the physical tools to succeed; he had the mindset of someone who knew he was going to be great.”
Cleary’s on-field vision, ability to control the tempo of a game, and his precise kicking game were all early indicators of his potential to rise to the top. Maloney was quick to point out that while Cleary possessed undeniable talent, it was his mental approach to the game that truly set him apart from other young players.
“He didn’t need a lot of coaching when it came to the fundamentals. What set him apart was his ability to understand situations before they unfolded. A lot of young halfbacks are trying to find their rhythm in the game, but Nathan seemed to know where things were going, and he was always one step ahead.”
The Cleary Family Legacy
Nathan Cleary’s development into one of the premier halfbacks in the NRL didn’t happen by accident. Coming from a rugby league family with his father, Ivan Cleary, serving as the head coach of the Penrith Panthers, it’s no surprise that Nathan was steeped in rugby league culture from a young age. Ivan’s guidance and insight into the game have undoubtedly played a role in shaping Nathan’s approach to his career.
James Maloney, who had seen firsthand the influence a coach can have on a young player, highlighted that Nathan’s relationship with his father was a key factor in his growth.
“Ivan knows what it takes to win, and that has translated into how Nathan plays,” Maloney explained. “It’s clear that Ivan has instilled a winning mentality in Nathan. He’s not just a player, but he’s becoming a leader who understands the big moments and how to perform in them.”
The synergy between father and son has been evident on the field. Ivan’s tactical acumen combined with Nathan’s execution of the game plan has given the Panthers a strategic edge over their competitors.
The Panthers’ Culture: Building a Dynasty
What makes the Penrith Panthers such a formidable team isn’t just the brilliance of Nathan Cleary, but the entire club’s ethos and culture. Over the past few years, Penrith has built a team capable of sustained success, with a deep roster of elite players complementing Cleary’s leadership. The defensive prowess of the Panthers, their physicality, and their ability to wear teams down over the course of a match have made them an incredibly difficult team to beat.
Under the stewardship of Ivan Cleary, Penrith has fostered a culture of excellence, where every player is expected to give their all, and where the individual egos are put aside for the sake of the team’s success. Maloney believes this culture, combined with Nathan Cleary’s leadership, is why the Panthers are well-positioned to achieve a five-peat.
“Penrith is a team built on unity and commitment. Every player knows their role and understands that they are part of something bigger than themselves,” Maloney said. “Nathan has embraced that culture and led from the front. He’s the type of player who makes everyone around him better, and that’s why the Panthers can keep achieving success year after year.”
Cleary’s Evolution: From Young Halfback to Elite Leader
When Cleary first broke into the NRL, he was hailed as a prodigious talent. However, what has set him apart in recent seasons is his ability to evolve his game. Cleary has moved beyond being just a playmaker and has become a complete leader. His defensive resilience, his ability to dictate the pace of the game with his kicking game, and his composure under pressure make him a player capable of winning big matches consistently.