Is Nathan Cleary Leaving the Panthers? What Happened to Nathan Cleary?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Oct 07, 2023
Is Nathan Cleary Leaving the Panthers?
No, Nathan Cleary is not leaving Panthers but he will unfortunately miss the upcoming Pacific Championships due to a knee injury sustained during their comeback win against the Brisbane Broncos. Cleary was initially named in the Australia squad for the tri-series, but he has now been officially withdrawn from the 21-strong squad. His replacement will be Nicho Hynes from the Cronulla Sharks.
Cleary's absence means that Daly Cherry-Evans will return to wearing the No. 7 jersey, which he missed out on during last year's World Cup. Despite the injury, Cleary's knee issue is not considered to be serious, and this setback will give him a longer offseason after three demanding seasons, each of which concluded with an NRL title.
During the Grand Final, Cleary sustained the knee injury during a tackle by Broncos forward Payne Haas. Remarkably, he continued to play and played a pivotal role in engineering the biggest comeback in Grand Final history, ultimately scoring the decisive try in the Panthers' 26-22 victory. His outstanding performance earned him the Clive Churchill Medal as the game's best player.
In this upcoming Pacific Championships tri-series, Australia will kick off the tournament against Samoa on October 14 in Townsville. They will then face New Zealand on October 28 in Melbourne before the final, which will be held in Hamilton on November 4. Meanwhile, New Zealand's coach Michael Maguire has introduced seven new players to a depleted NZ Kiwis squad for the tournament. Cleary's absence will be a significant loss for Australia, but they will look to make the best of the situation with Daly Cherry-Evans stepping in as the halfback.
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Who is Nathan Cleary?
Nathan Cleary is a prominent Australian professional rugby league footballer who has made a significant impact in the sport. Born on November 14, 1997, he has gained recognition for his exceptional skills and contributions both at the club level with the Penrith Panthers in the Australian NRL and at the international level representing Australia. Cleary's achievements include winning the prestigious Clive Churchill Medal in both 2021 and 2023, which is awarded to the best player in the NRL Grand Final.
He has also been named the Dally M Halfback of the Year in 2020 and 2021, a testament to his outstanding abilities as a halfback in the NRL. One of his most notable accomplishments is serving as the co-captain of the Penrith Panthers, where he has demonstrated strong leadership skills. Under his leadership, the Panthers achieved an extraordinary feat by winning three consecutive premiership titles in 2021, 2022, and 2023. This remarkable achievement is a testament to Cleary's role in guiding and inspiring his team to success.
Nathan Cleary is highly regarded for his versatile playing style, which includes exceptional playmaking abilities and vision on the field. His ability to read the game and create scoring opportunities for his team is a key factor in his success. Additionally, he is known for his reliable goal-kicking, a crucial skill in rugby league, further solidifying his reputation as one of the best players in the NRL.
In addition to his club success, Cleary has represented the New South Wales Blues in the State of Origin series, showcasing his talent at the representative level. He has also proudly donned the green and gold jersey, representing Australia at the international level.
Full Name
Nathan Cleary
Date of Birth
14 November 1997
Age
25 years (as of 2023)
Place of Birth
Sydney, Australia
Position
Halfback
Club
Penrith Panthers (NRL)
National Team
Australia (International Level)
Parents
Height
182 cm (6 ft 0 in)
92 kg (14 st 7 lb)
Ivan Cleary and Rebecca Cleary
Weight
Nathan Cleary Career
Nathan Cleary's rugby league career has been nothing short of remarkable, marked by consistent achievements and standout performances since his early days in the sport. Cleary began his journey in the Penrith Panthers' junior system, progressing through their ranks, which included playing in the Harold Matthews Cup and the S.G. Ball Cup teams. In 2015, he took on the role of captain for the S.G. Ball Cup team. During this time, he also made appearances for the Windsor Wolves in the Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield.
He made his move into the National Youth Competition (under 20) squad mid-season and was even selected for the Australian Schoolboys team, which he captained during their series against New Zealand under-18s. Cleary's breakout year, as he made his NRL debut for the Penrith Panthers. His debut was notable for his impressive performance despite the team's loss to the Melbourne Storm. Cleary quickly established himself as a key player in the squad, eventually becoming the club's first-choice halfback.
Cleary continued to shine, finishing the season as the highest point scorer in the NRL, an impressive feat for such a young player. He played in all 26 games for the Penrith club, scoring tries and kicking goals, earning him recognition as the youngest player to achieve such scoring milestones. Despite suffering a knee injury early in the season, Cleary bounced back and secured his spot in the New South Wales State of Origin team. His performances for both club and state were commendable, and he made his debut for New South Wales in the State of Origin series.
Cleary's season included some ups and downs, but his clutch performances, including a late-game goal and a field goal, demonstrated his ability to handle pressure situations. He continued to represent New South Wales in the State of Origin series. Cleary played a significant role in Penrith's impressive season, helping the team reach the NRL Grand Final. Despite the team's loss, he continued to be a pivotal figure for New South Wales in the State of Origin series.
Cleary's performances in 2021 were nothing short of outstanding. He achieved numerous milestones, including scoring multiple tries and kicking goals. His remarkable season culminated in Penrith's NRL Grand Final victory, where he was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal as the best player in the game. He also received the Dally M Halfback of the Year award.
Cleary's year included selection for New South Wales in the State of Origin series and strong performances for Penrith. However, he faced a suspension for a dangerous tackle that ended his regular season early. Cleary continued to be a driving force for Penrith, contributing to their success throughout the season. In the 2023 NRL Grand Final, he played a heroic role, orchestrating a historic comeback from a 16-point deficit in the final 20 minutes. Cleary won the Clive Churchill Medal for his extraordinary performance.
Throughout his career, Nathan Cleary has consistently displayed exceptional skills, leadership, and composure on the field. He has been a vital part of the Penrith Panthers and the New South Wales State of Origin team, earning accolades and recognition as one of the NRL's premier talents. His career continues to be marked by success and a bright future in rugby league.
Nathan Cleary Family Background
Nathan Cleary comes from a notable rugby league family background, which has played a significant role in shaping his career and passion for the sport. His father, Ivan Cleary, is not only a coach but also a former professional rugby league footballer. Ivan Cleary has been a pivotal figure in Nathan's journey, coaching him at the Penrith Panthers. This father-son partnership has undoubtedly contributed to Nathan's development as a rugby league player, providing him with valuable guidance and insights.
Nathan Cleary was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, and he is of Croatian and Ukrainian descent. This diverse heritage adds a unique dimension to his background and showcases the multicultural aspects of Australian society. His mixed ancestry is a reflection of the country's cultural diversity. Furthermore, Nathan Cleary is the nephew of Josh Stuart and Jason Death, both of whom have their own notable rugby league careers. Their influence and involvement in the sport likely had an impact on Nathan's early exposure to rugby league and contributed to his passion for the game.
It's also worth noting that Nathan Cleary previously held a New Zealand passport, which indicates some connection to New Zealand, either through family or residency. Nathan Cleary's family background is deeply rooted in rugby league, with his father's coaching and playing experience, as well as his diverse cultural heritage, playing significant roles in shaping his journey as a prominent rugby league player in Australia.
Nathan Cleary Early Life
Nathan Cleary's early life was marked by a unique blend of experiences that ultimately shaped his path toward becoming a standout rugby league player in Australia. During his childhood, Cleary spent a significant portion of his formative years living in Auckland, New Zealand. This was primarily due to his father, Ivan Cleary, who not only played for but also later coached the New Zealand Warriors, an NRL team based in Auckland. This exposure to the world of rugby league at a young age likely played a role in sparking his interest in the sport.
While in Auckland, Cleary attended Sacred Heart College for two years. During this time, he was still primarily a soccer enthusiast. However, his transition to rugby league began during his pre-teen years. He started playing the sport at a junior level for two different teams: the Mount Albert Lions in Auckland, New Zealand, and the Penrith Brothers in Sydney, Australia. This shift in focus marked the beginning of his rugby league journey, which would ultimately lead to his success in the sport.
In terms of his education, Cleary completed his Higher School Certificate (HSC) while attending St Dominic's College in Penrith in 2015. Notably, he held the position of a prefect during his time at the school, demonstrating his dedication and leadership qualities both on and off the field.
Nathan Cleary's early life was characterized by a cross-cultural experience, with time spent in both New Zealand and Australia. His introduction to rugby league in his pre-teen years set the stage for his eventual rise to prominence as one of the sport's leading players. His educational achievements and leadership qualities during his school years further highlight his well-rounded background and commitment to excellence.
Nathan Cleary Age
As of 2023, Nathan Cleary is 25 years old, demonstrating remarkable achievements in his relatively young career. Despite his age, Cleary has already left a significant mark in the world of rugby league, showcasing his exceptional talent and leadership. His impressive list of accolades and contributions to both the Penrith Panthers and the New South Wales State of Origin team highlights the maturity and experience he brings to the game at such a young age. As he continues to grow and develop, there is no doubt that Nathan Cleary's future in rugby league holds even greater promise and potential.
Nathan Cleary Physical Attributes
Nathan Cleary possesses notable physical attributes for a rugby league player. Standing at 182 cm (6 feet 0 inches) tall, he has a well-balanced height that allows him to excel both as a playmaker and in defensive situations. Weighing in at 92 kg (14 stone 7 pounds), he carries a solid and muscular build, which provides him with the strength and power needed to excel in the physically demanding sport of rugby league. His combination of height and weight contributes to his effectiveness on the field, allowing him to tackle, run, and pass with precision. These physical attributes, combined with his skill and agility, make him a formidable presence in the NRL.
Nathan Cleary Net Worth
Nathan Cleary net worth is $ 10 million. His primary source of income is his professional rugby league career. As a player for the Penrith Panthers in the NRL and his involvement in representative rugby league, he earns a substantial income through player contracts, match payments, and bonuses. Additionally, endorsements and sponsorships with sports brands and other companies likely contribute to his overall income.
These endorsement deals can include partnerships with apparel brands, equipment manufacturers, and other businesses seeking to associate themselves with his athletic success and popularity. Overall, Nathan Cleary's income is predominantly derived from his successful rugby league career and associated endorsements.
What Happened to Nathan Cleary?
Nathan Cleary has been ruled out of the upcoming Pacific Championships due to a knee injury sustained during the Penrith Panthers' comeback win against the Brisbane Broncos. The injury occurred during a tackle by Broncos forward Payne Haas, but Cleary remarkably continued to play and scored the decisive try in the NRL Grand Final. He won the Clive Churchill Medal as the game's best player. While the injury is not considered serious, Cleary's absence allows him a longer offseason after three consecutive NRL title-winning seasons. His replacement in the Australian squad is Nicho Hynes, and Daly Cherry-Evans will reclaim the No. 7 jersey.
Is Nathan Cleary Leaving the Panthers - FAQs
No, Nathan Cleary is not leaving Panthers.
Nathan Cleary has been ruled out of the upcoming Pacific Championships due to a knee injury sustained during the Penrith Panthers' comeback win against the Brisbane Broncos. The injury occurred during a tackle by Broncos forward Payne Haas, but Cleary remarkably continued to play and scored the decisive try in the NRL Grand Final.
Nathan Cleary is an Australian professional rugby league player known for his role as a halfback for the Penrith Panthers in the NRL and his contributions to the Australian national team.
Cleary has won the Clive Churchill Medal twice (in 2021 and 2023) and the Dally M Halfback of the Year award twice (in 2020 and 2021). He has also led the Penrith Panthers to three consecutive NRL premiership wins from 2021 to 2023.
Cleary spent part of his childhood in Auckland, New Zealand, where he played junior rugby league for teams like the Mount Albert Lions. He progressed through the Penrith Panthers' junior system in Australia.