Why Nathan Cleary must win the Dally M in 2026

With the Panthers now 5-0 and Nathan Cleary in top-notch form, is this finally the year that he claims the Dally M?

After the Brisbane Broncos broke their chances of a five-peat in the preliminary finals, Penrith has started the season on fire.

Through their first five matches, they have averaged 38 points per game, becoming the first side in NRL history to win all those matches by 20 points or more.

That included being the first side since 2003 to score 50 points on the Melbourne Storm, as they did on Friday night.

Within their side, Cleary has played a large role in the Panthers' stellar form.

In his five games, the 28-year-old leads the competition for points scored with 68 points, whilst managing seven try assists.

This sees him currently lead the Dally M with 18 votes after just four rounds.

And given his and the Panthers' form at the moment, Kemp believes that 2026 will finally be the year that the halfback claims the NRL’s highest individual honour.

“I think we're getting to the point where if Nathan Cleary doesn't win a Dally M soon, we have to completely rethink the Dally M system,” he pondered on SEN’s Saturday League Kick-Off.

“Like, how hasn't Nathan Cleary, after four premierships in a row, not won a Dally M?

“Now I know he gets injured, and it's a points system.

“(But) I do think this is the year that he goes for the Dally M, and I think we're probably gonna see a record win.”

And Kemp thinks that Cleary will only get better in the coming years.

“He is so far and above (the rest),” he continued.

“What's crazy is he looks like he's in 2nd gear still. They (the Panthers) all look like they're in 2nd gear still.

“I think that what we're seeing, like Nathan Cleary, he set the bar so high at such a relatively young age, we're forgetting this guy's only just getting into his best years as a half.

“He's what, 28? They (halves) don't really get into their best years until they're like 30 these days.

“So, we're starting to see a young man develop into a situation where he has got the basics so down pat that he can start adding extra things onto his game.”

The Panthers will look to continue their undefeated start to the season against the Bulldogs on Thursday.

That takes place at Accor Stadium with SEN League having live coverage of the match from 7pm AEST on SEN’s radio network and on the SEN app. Kick off takes place at 7:50pm.