Penrith Panthers have now release the $90 million player who they signed in 2023: Pep has only ever used him…
Penrith skipper Nathan Cleary has fired a warning shot to his NRL rivals after completing a remarkable return from a hamstring injury.
The halfback nailed a 45-metre two-point field goal to deliver his side a 28-26 golden-point victory over the Dolphins on Sunday afternoon.
The Panthers currently sit second on the ladder, four points behind Melbourne with seven games to play.
Having helped Penrith reel in a 14-point Dolphins lead on Sunday, Cleary declared the focus is now on finding his top form as he chases a fourth-straight premiership.
“Physically I felt really good,” Cleary said. “I was a little bit frantic, had a few mistakes, particularly in defence. That’s something to work on.
“I’m not going to come back and be perfect. Pretty much every time I’ve come back from a layoff I’ve been pretty scratchy. I’ve got a lot of things to get better at but I’m grateful to be back.”
Sunday’s match was Cleary’s first since he suffered the hamstring tear in Round 10, Penrith taking a precautionary approach after three hamstrings injuries in the space of 18 months.
The halfback hit the ground running at BlueBet Stadium, finishing with 115 running metres, two line-break assists and two try assists in the come-from-behind win.
It was with his boot, however, that proved most crucial as he nailed five-from-five off the tee and the match-winning field goal.
Cleary’s presence was on show throughout the afternoon as he guided his team around the park and ensured they overcame a number of uncharacteristic errors.
