The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio has declared Nathan Cleary as one of the greatest players the NRL has ever seen after leading an inspired comeback to lift his Penrith Panthers to an historic three-peat.
The Panthers found themselves trailing by three tries with 18 minutes left. After a poor start by his lofty standards, Cleary took control of the final 20 minutes of the game.
The 25-year-old set up the try to Moses Leota to ignite the comeback and scored the match-winning try through a brilliant solo run.
Cleary joined Bradley Clyde and Billy Slater as the only two players to have won multiple Clive Churchill Medals and has cemented his place as one of the all-time greats, according to Riccio.
“The Panthers didn’t do enough with the ball early,” Riccio said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“They dominated field position and got to their end of sets which was really poor.
“Nathan Cleary described his first half performance as poor. He was filthy with himself.
“Cleary, to then go into this realm of elite level skill, class and poise was extraordinary.
“There is no denying he is one of the great halfbacks we have ever seen and will ever see.”
Penrith couldn’t take a trick to start the second half with Jarome Luai being forced off the field due to injury and co-captain Isaah Yeo having an HIA assessment.
Riccio praised the performance of back-up half Jack Cogger who contributed to Cleary’s stellar performance.
“Cleary lost his halves partner of the past three years,” Riccio added.
“Jerome Luai goes from the field in the 51st minute. The Panthers are trailing and Jack Cogger comes into the game.
“He deserves enormous wraps for his game, Jack Cogger.
“It says more about Cleary because when we see a gun half lose his key man (it’s hard to bounce back).
“He’s only 25 so you just have to wonder where he goes next.”