CLEARY’S BRAVE MOMENT: Panthers Star Suffers Fresh Knock in Gritty 8–6 Win Over Bulldogs—Blues Fans Holding Their Breath
Penrith Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary has revealed he may have picked up yet another knock—this time to the chest—after a dramatic and hard-fought 8–6 victory over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in Round 17. In a game described by many as one of the season’s most intense defensive battles, it was Cleary’s daring play that ultimately decided the contest. But it didn’t come without a physical toll.
Cleary, who returned to action after nursing a groin complaint, put his body on the line to charge down a Matt Burton kick early in the second half. The ball smashed into his chest before bouncing kindly into his arms, allowing the Panthers co-captain to dive over under the posts for what would turn out to be the match-winner.
Speaking after the match, Cleary admitted he was already feeling the effects of the impact and joked that he’ll likely be waking up sore on Friday morning. Fortunately, it appears the issue is only a bruised chest—something both Penrith and New South Wales Blues fans will be relieved to hear.
“I’m pretty sure I’ll be sore tomorrow,” Cleary admitted with a grin. “Burto put everything into that kick—it cannoned straight into my chest.”
The moment brought back memories of a similar incident in State of Origin Game II back in 2022, when Cleary also attempted a charge down and found himself chasing a wildly bouncing ball that didn’t go his way. This time, the bounce was favorable—and crucial.
“I actually had flashbacks to that Origin game in Perth,” he said. “That time, the ball just took off over my head. As this one was bouncing, all I was thinking was, ‘Please don’t bounce over me again.’ Luckily, it sat up perfectly.”
Cleary’s effort was emblematic of a Panthers team that had to dig deep against a Bulldogs outfit that showed plenty of grit. With scoring opportunities limited and physicality high, it was a game that hung in the balance until the final whistle. While the 8–6 scoreline may not scream excitement on paper, those who watched the clash saw a tactical war dominated by effort, resilience, and one moment of brilliance from Cleary.
Adding to the tension was the fact that Cleary entered the contest still under an injury cloud. He missed last week’s trip to Auckland to face the Warriors and had been visibly hindered during Origin II, sparking fears that his groin injury could sideline him for longer. But the Panthers medical staff, in conjunction with the Blues team, worked overtime to get their general back on the park—and it paid off.
“I felt good all week,” Cleary explained. “Got two solid training runs in and was really confident heading into this one. Full credit to the physios from both Penrith and New South Wales—they’ve been incredible. They got me in a great headspace where I trusted my body again.”
Despite returning to the field, Cleary didn’t take up goalkicking duties, a sign that the groin still isn’t quite 100 percent. It was a calculated decision, with the Panthers unwilling to risk re-aggravation. Still, the star halfback’s presence alone made a difference, with his leadership, kicking game, and match awareness all playing a role in the win.
“Goalkicking’s the next step,” he said. “We didn’t want to push it too hard too soon, but I was happy with how everything else held up.”
That detail will be of particular interest to Blues coach Michael Maguire, especially with Origin III fast approaching. Cleary’s boot was sorely missed in Origin II, where New South Wales squandered several chances off the tee—ultimately costing them a shot at sealing the series. When pressed on whether he’d be fit to kick in the decider, Cleary offered a knowing smile and simply said, “We’ll have to wait and see.”
The Panthers, meanwhile, will be thrilled just to have their star halfback back on the park. Thursday night’s win lifted them further up the ladder, but it also reinforced just how much they rely on Cleary’s control in tight contests. While their attack is still missing that polish seen in previous seasons, their defensive resilience remains elite—on full display against a Bulldogs side that refused to go away.
This wasn’t a flashy Panthers win. There were no long-range tries or slick set plays. Instead, it was a victory defined by grit, game management, and one decisive act of desperation from a player who continues to define Penrith’s modern dynasty.
Cleary’s commitment to the cause, even when clearly still managing his body, speaks volumes about his leadership. His performance wasn’t just about scoring the try—it was about turning up when it mattered, making the clutch play, and dragging his side over the line.
“It was a tough one,” Cleary said. “That’s what finals footy feels like. Full credit to the Bulldogs—they really came to play. But I’m proud of our boys. We stuck in it.”
With the Panthers battling through injuries to key players and still searching for consistency in attack, Cleary’s return could not have come at a better time. His ability to take control under pressure will be crucial as the side gears up for the final stretch of the regular season.
And while the chest might be sore tomorrow, Cleary and the Panthers can rest easy knowing they’ve banked an important two points—and proven once again that when the game’s on the line, there’s no one they’d rather have leading the charge.
