Penrith Panthers’ halfback Nathan Cleary has revealed he might have suffered another injury—this time to his chest—following a gripping and hard-fought 8–6 victory against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in Round 17. The match, widely regarded as one of the season’s most intense defensive battles, was ultimately decided by a bold and fearless effort from Cleary. However, his game-winning contribution came with a physical cost.
After recovering from a groin complaint that sidelined him recently, Cleary threw himself into the contest, showcasing immense bravery. Early in the second half, he charged down a kick from Bulldogs’ Matt Burton. The ball hit him squarely in the chest before bouncing favorably into his arms, allowing him to dive over the try line under the posts. This try proved to be the crucial score that sealed the narrow win for the Panthers.
Reflecting after the game, Cleary admitted he was already feeling the aftereffects of the impact. He humorously predicted that he would be waking up sore the following day but reassured fans that it appeared to be just a bruised chest—a relief to both Penrith supporters and New South Wales Blues followers alike.
“I’m pretty sure I’ll be sore tomorrow,” Cleary said with a smile. “Burto really put everything into that kick—it hit me hard right in the chest.”
The dramatic moment brought back memories of a similar play during the 2022 State of Origin Game II, when Cleary had also attempted a charge down but was less fortunate. In that earlier incident, the ball bounced away from him, but this time, luck was on his side.
“I actually had flashbacks to that Origin game in Perth,” Cleary explained. “Back then, the ball just bounced over my head. This time, as it was bouncing, I was just thinking, ‘Please don’t bounce over me again.’ Luckily, it landed perfectly.”
Cleary’s determination embodied the entire Panthers team’s resilience in a match where opportunities to score were scarce and the physical battle relentless. The Bulldogs fought hard and showed impressive grit, making it a tough encounter that remained in the balance until the final whistle. While the 8–6 scoreline might not look thrilling on paper, those who witnessed the game saw a tactical and physical chess match, ultimately won by a combination of discipline, endurance, and one moment of brilliance from Cleary.
Adding to the game’s intensity was the fact that Cleary came into the contest still carrying an injury concern. He missed Penrith’s previous game against the Warriors in Auckland and had been visibly limited during State of Origin II due to his groin issue, which raised concerns about his availability for upcoming matches. Thanks to a concerted effort from the Panthers’ medical team and the Blues’ physios, Cleary managed to prepare himself well enough to return to the field—and his presence was felt.
“I felt good all week,” Cleary said. “I got two solid training sessions and went into the match feeling confident. Huge credit to the physios from both Penrith and New South Wales—they’ve been amazing. They helped me get in the right headspace to trust my body again.”
Despite returning to the field, Cleary did not take on goal-kicking duties, a clear indication that his groin isn’t yet fully healed. This cautious approach was deliberate, as the Panthers did not want to risk further injury. Nevertheless, Cleary’s influence on the game was undeniable, with his leadership, tactical kicking, and decision-making pivotal in guiding Penrith to victory.
“Goal-kicking will be the next step,” he noted. “We didn’t want to push it too soon, but I was happy with how everything else went.”
This update will be particularly significant for New South Wales Blues coach Michael Maguire as the decider in the State of Origin series looms. Cleary’s absence from goal-kicking duties during Origin II was a noticeable setback for the Blues, who missed several chances from the tee, which ultimately cost them the series. When asked if he would be ready to kick in the upcoming Origin III, Cleary gave a knowing smile and said, “We’ll have to wait and see.”
For the Panthers, the main priority is having their star halfback back on the field. Thursday’s hard-fought win lifted them higher on the league ladder and underscored how vital Cleary’s control and composure are in tight games. While the Panthers’ attacking flair has not yet fully returned to the levels seen in previous seasons, their defensive tenacity remains outstanding, as evidenced by their performance against a Bulldogs team that refused to give up.
This victory was not about flashy plays or spectacular tries but instead was defined by sheer grit, intelligent game management, and one crucial, desperate effort by a player who continues to symbolize Penrith’s dominance in recent years.
Cleary’s dedication, despite still managing his injuries, speaks volumes about his leadership qualities. His performance went beyond just scoring the match-winning try; it was about showing up when it counted most, making the clutch play, and inspiring his teammates to fight for the win.
“It was a tough match,” Cleary said. “That’s what finals footy feels like. Credit to the Bulldogs—they really came to play. But I’m proud of our boys. We stuck with it.”
With the Panthers dealing with injuries to other key players and still seeking consistency in their attack, Cleary’s return couldn’t have come at a better moment. His ability to lead and take control under pressure will be crucial as Penrith pushes through the remainder of the regular season.
And while he might wake up with a sore chest tomorrow, Cleary and the Panthers can rest assured they’ve secured two valuable points and reaffirmed that when the stakes are high, there’s no better leader to have at the helm.
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