Have Penrith found Luai's replacement?

Move over Nathan Cleary. The Panthers have a new match-winner in the Jarome Luai mould to take the pressure off Cleary for the rest of the season. Blaize Talagi wasn't selected for the first two games this season, but since he got his chance he's been improving by the week. And the former Eel, still only 20 years old, came of age in Saturday night's classic 30-all draw with the Cowboys in Townsville. Talagi laid on four of the Panthers' five tries and scored the other while Cleary was happy to sit back and let his junior partner run the show. It was a similar understanding to the one Cleary had with Luai - and is a great sign for the Panthers for the tough road ahead.

Younger Cleary excited to step out of Panthers shadow

Jett Cleary has affirmed his intent to carve out his own rugby league identity with the New Zealand Warriors, stepping away from the Penrith Panthers system and older brother Nathan's shadow to do so. The 19-year-old, who came through Penrith's junior ranks, has been training with the Warriors' first-grade squad but is expected to feature in the club's under-21 side as he continues his development. "Obviously, there's Nathan and Dad that got their own thing going in Penrith," Cleary said, speaking with 1News. "I could've easily stayed there and rode what they're doing now because they are pretty successful, but I thought this was a good opportunity to step out of the limelight a bit and do it my own way and try succeed on my own." Cleary's decision to move across the Tasman on a three-year deal wasn't just about forging his own path, it also marks a return to his childhood club. Born in Auckland in 2005 while his father, Ivan, was an assistant coach at the Warriors, Cleary lived in New Zealand until he was seven and has long held ambitions of representing the club. "Most of the time I was in the creche in the little kids section. That was always fun," he recalled. "It's so weird because I used to joke with my mates and my mum that I'll go play for the Warriors one day." "I always joke with Mum that I kind of spoke it into existence I think, I love the Warriors and I've always wanted to play for them."

Slater floats Tigers 'swap' after $6m Luai signing

NRL legend Billy Slater believes there could be a "swap" between new-look Wests Tigers halves pairing Jarome Luai and Lachlan Galvin this season. In the biggest move of the off-season, Luai moved to Concord on a multi-year deal, with the club investing plenty of money in Penrith's four-time premiership winner - said to be $6m over the length of the deal. The 28-year-old starred alongside Nathan Cleary during his time at the Panthers, but will have a whole new challenge ahead of him with the wooden spooners. Luai will wear the No.7 jumper and link up with young gun Galvin, who was a rare shining light for the joint venture in 2024, to form a quality halves combination. But according to Slater, there could be more than meets the eye between them. "It wouldn't surprise me if they actually swap positions and Galvin actually played that halfback role," he said on Nine's Billy Slater Podcast. "He's a real on-baller, he likes to be involved, while Luai has probably played his best football just sitting off a little bit, like when he plays with Nathan Cleary. "They mightn't swap the numbers, but they might swap roles of who is more dominant." Slater also argued the Tigers had "nearly the best spine in the comp" but stopped short of echoing Shane Richardson's comments last year that it held top billing. As for their hopes of featuring in September for the first time in 15 years, Slater believes the Tigers can make it happen in Benji Marshall's second full season at the helm. "I absolutely think they can," he said. "It's up to them and obviously everyone has got the optimistic view of playing finals at this time of year ... I think they really can play finals." Marshall's men will kick off their campaign against the Knights on March 8.

Nathan Cleary's stunning Super League confession comes to light

Nathan Cleary's manager has dismissed claims the Panthers halfback is weighing up a move to the UK Super League to be closer to his partner, football star Mary Fowler. In a switch that would send shockwaves through the NRL, NewsCorp reported over the weekend that the Panthers star is weighing up making the switch to England so he can spend more time with the Matildas and Manchester City forward. The pair have been together since late last year and their relationship could now see Cleary move abroad to be by her side, in what would be a massive coup for the Super League. Veteran journalist Buzz Rothfield suggested that if the move did happen it wouldn't be for the remainder of his career but just for next year. However, Cleary's manager George Mimis and Panthers boss Brian Fletcher have shut down claims the star halfback could be on the move, stating it isn't something that has been discussed or that is currently on the table. Cleary is signed to the Panthers until the end of the 2027 season and NewsCorp reported in July the Panthers had opened talks about extending Cleary's contract even further as part of a $13.5 million super deal that would keep Nathan and father Ivan at the club. But while at face value a move to the Super League may seem far-fetched, in an interview with the Mirror earlier this year, it was something the Panthers halfback said he would definitely consider. "I'm not against it (a move to the Super League). I have a pretty open mind to that kind of stuff," Cleary said ahead of the 2024 NRL campaign. "I think just being able to experience different cultures and different experiences is something I enjoy doing. I'm not closed off to that idea." Fowler is based in the UK with club side Manchester City, meaning as it stands the couple's time together is limited. The 21-year-old came home to spend time with Cleary in the football off-season. Cleary also made the most of some unfortunate injuries this year to be with Fowler.

Panthers' big Cleary hope

Nathan Cleary's return from injury for the finals can't come soon enough for the Panthers. The club chasing its fourth straight title looked anything but grand final material in a scrappy 18-12 defeat of the Titans on Saturday night. With nothing to play for, the Titans really took the game to the champions and almost came up with a win. The Panthers made 15 errors in the 80 minutes and if they do that against the Roosters next weekend, they will be in all sorts of trouble. The team lacked direction and spark in attack - but all that can be fixed with the return of superstar Cleary. The man who salvaged the grand final last season will need to rescue a team that has been short of its best in recent weeks - but he is so good, he may just do it.

Ivan Cleary feels for injury-plagued son Nathan

Nathan has endured a frustrating season with injuries, after spending around 10 weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring issue earlier in 2024. Ivan revealed on Thursday night that Nathan suffered the shoulder issue in the pre-season, and has been working through it all year. “He’s OK. He’s obviously disappointed, but the scans definitely could have been worse. There’s some hope there, so it’s much better than if there was none,” Ivan said. “It (the pre-season injury) was fairly significant at the time. I remember thinking that it’s not a good thing to be going into a very long season with that. That was in the lead-up to the World Club Challenge, but he got through that and has had more time while being out with the hamstrings to strengthen that. For the most part, he’s had no dramas with that.” There were initial fears Nathan could miss the rest of the season with his latest injury, but the club is confident he'll be back for the finals campaign. Dylan Edwards and James Fisher-Harris have also been sidelined for significant stretches in 2024, but the Panthers are still in good shape to finish in the top two. “It’s been quite a disruptive year for us as a team,” Ivan said. “We’ve had guys coming in and out whether it’s injury or suspension or Origin all year, pretty much. I guess we’re used to it. We’re basically ready for it, no matter what happens for the rest of the year.”

Can Cleary be stopped?

Rival clubs have less than two months to work out how to stop the NRL's Harry Houdini - Penrith Panthers wonder boy Nathan Cleary. The star halfback has masterminded two of the greatest escapes of all time in the past year – the 2023 grand final and Friday night's epic defeat of arch-rivals Parramatta. Just like in last year's decider, the Panthers were dead and buried with 10 minutes left on the clock at Parra. But just as Eels fans were preparing to pop the champagne corks, Cleary decided to press the "go" button. The results were devastating. With Cleary at No.7, the Panthers are NEVER beaten and these two memorable performances will play with the heads of the likes of the Storm and Roosters in the final series as the battle for the title hots up.

Rare Honour for Clinical Cleary

The biggest compliment in the game a decade or so ago was to get a perfect 10 out of 10 in Rugby League Week's player ratings. The now defunct magazine gave out less than one such perfect rating a season, such was its rarity. But I would have had to give Nathan Cleary the 10-point rating after his flawless performance for the Panthers in the 46-10 decimation of the Dragons in Wollongong yesterday. In just his second game back from a long injury layoff, Cleary scored three tries, had a role in a heap more and ran for over 200 metres - a remarkable number for a halfback. Cleary's performance would have put fear into every other team in the title race as we count down towards the finals. The classy halfback single-handedly got the Panthers to the premiership last season - and looks primed for another massive charge to the title.

Hidden 'pressure' Panthers felt as cameras rolled

When Penrith's stars were informed their 2023 season would make the big screen in a three-part Stan series titled Undisputed, it came with an undeniable pressure. Having won back-to-back premierships, the Panthers side already had the weight of expectation trying to complete a three-peat and then learned before the finals series that their campaign would be available for all to see. Panthers co-captain Nathan Cleary admits it wouldn't have been a great watch if the side didn't complete an extraordinary comeback against the Broncos in the decider. "I was pretty excited (when I found out about it) but I think it put a bit of pressure on to try and actually win it, it wouldn't have been that good if we lost," he told Wide World of Sports. "... Originally when we found out, everyone was talking about it but once it gets into the flow of things you don't notice the cameras too much, you don't really notice what's happening then you actually remember after the grand final all that it was recorded." Cleary's halves partner, Jarome Luai, plays a prominent role in episode one, as the audience is given an insight into his injury blow. The 27-year-old dislocated his shoulder in round 26, with uncertainty around whether he'd make it back for the grand final.

Cleary's 'chilling warning' to rivals

Can anyone stop Nathan Cleary's running game that is propelling the Panthers towards a third straight title?Cleary is at his devastating best when he takes on the line - and he did that in spades as Penrith trampled the Warriors 32-6 on Saturday afternoon.In one of the best halfback displays of the year, Cleary ran for an incredible 188 metres, scored a slick solo try, created another and made two linebreaks.His performance was a chilling warning to the other five teams left in the finals race as he earned his team a break next weekend.Stop Cleary and you stop Penrith - but it's easier said than done.The Warriors boast a pack as big and mobile as any in the NRL - but Cleary toyed with them as he led the Panthers to an impressive win.Cleary has had some quiet patches during a long season but is hitting his peak when it matters most, and the Panthers are on the verge of achieving something very special in the coming weeks.

Old Firm Return Just In Time

The old firm of Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary is back together again - and the Panthers are suddenly back with a real chance of three straight titles.With Cleary back from a hamstring injury, the Panthers looked the team that took the title in 2021 and 2022, thumping the Bulldogs 44-18 on Sunday.They came up with five try assists between them, as well as four linebreak assists, feeding off each other as they destroyed the Bulldogs defence.If Cleary can stay healthy through the finals, the Panthers will again be a massive threat, such is his impact on the team.

Cleary comeback date clearer after injury blow

Penrith Panthers star Nathan Cleary could make his NRL return next weekend as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.9News and Sydney Morning Herald reporter Michael Chammas revealed the news at half-time of Nine's NRL coverage on Sunday, along with reports Dylan Edwards has been offered a multimillion-dollar deal by the Panthers.Cleary suffered his hamstring injury before Origin II, ruling him out for the rest of the series. "He's told those at the club that's he ready to play against the Dolphins (next Sunday), that doesn't mean he'll play, the Panthers want to make sure they're not taking any risks with Nathan Cleary and make sure he's right for their run home for the finals," Chammas said."But Nathan Cleary says he's ready to go."The good fortune keeps coming for the Panthers, with Edwards reportedly offered a three-year contract extension to keep him at the club until 2027, on a deal worth around $2.5 million.In more injury news, Viliame Kikau could also return for the Bulldogs soon, with Chammas stating the club is considering naming him against the Broncos on Saturday."The Bulldogs, they say he's an outside chance to play this week, he's likely to be named but (he'll play) probably the week after against his old club the Penrith Panthers, that's one he would've definitely circled on the calendar and could be back for in round 21," he said.An update was also provided on Parramatta hooker Josh Hodgson, who is out with a neck injury.

Cleary Fill-in Steps Up

Panthers officials were privately worried over last off season when Nathan Cleary's deputy Sean O'Sullivan quit the club to join the Dolphins.O'Sullivan did a great job filling in for Cleary when he was injured or on State of Origin duty.It was a big hole to fill - but the club ended up finding an ideal replacement in journeyman Jack Cogger.A former Knight and Bulldog, 25-year-old Cogger had spent the past two years in Super League with Huddersfield but jumped at the chance to join the Panthers.The guy is no superstar but he's a smart playmaker and solid footballer who knows how to steer a team around the park.With Cleary facing at least six weeks out with a hamstring injury, it was vital for Cogger to step up and he did just that in the Panthers' 30-6 win over the Roosters on Saturday night.The son of Wests Magpies favourite Trevor Cogger, Jack gave his brilliant backline time and space with his good service and the Panthers' attacking machine did the rest.

Penrith springs to life

After a slow start to their title defence, the Panthers are suddenly the team everyone is fearing again.The premiers have flexed their attacking muscle over the past two rounds, scoring a stunning 97 points.Ivan Cleary's boys followed up their 53-12 mauling of Canberra with a 44-12 thrashing of the fancied Manly team on Saturday night.Big guns Nathan Cleary and Dylan Edwards have found top form and are leading the Panthers steadily back up to the top of the ladder with their awesome skills.The Panthers were at their attacking best in the first half, charging to a 32-0 lead against a Manly team that was powerless to stop them.

Cleary's understudy starring for Dolphins

Sean O'Sullivan was great as a fill-in for Nathan Cleary at Penrith last year, but his game has gone to a whole new level at the Dolphins in 2023.O'Sullivan wasn't the Dolphins' first-choice at halfback for their maiden season, or even their second - but he's proved the perfect fit.He was the cool head that got the Dolphins home against a brave Knights outfit 36-20 on Friday night.He sums up the Dolphins' mentality of "a star team rather than a team of stars" and has been outstanding in each of their three wins.The Dolphins have been THE biggest story of the season to date - but face the acid test next weekend against the Broncos.

Panthers steamroller continues

It didn't seem that significant at the time, but the key moment - psychologically - of Penrith's win over Parramatta on Friday night was Nathan Cleary's field goal just before halftime.It broke a 6-all deadlock, sending the Eels to halftime with a slender lead and enabling them to continue a stunning run.By fulltime, the Panthers had lodged their 54th straight win after leading at the break.The Panthers have found this relentless attitude to power on to victory in the second half of games, grinding the Eels into the BlueBet Stadium turf 27-8.It was the biggest finals win in Penrith's history - and with Nathan Cleary back calling the shots in masterful fashion, they are looking good things to go back-to-back.

No Cleary, no worries

Penrith players could be excused for jokingly saying 'Nathan who?' in the wake of last Saturday's 26-6 demolition of Canberra.The game was the 11th in the last three seasons the Panthers have had without their talisman Nathan Cleary at number seven - and remarkably they have won 10 of them!With halves partner Jarome Luai also out, the Panthers were expecting a tough afternoon in Canberra but their march towards the minor premiership continued in fine style.It says a lot about the depth of talent and the culture at the Panthers that they can still win without their two Origin playmakers - with Sean O'Sullivan and the much talked-about Jaeman Salmon playing some fine footy to end the Raiders' finals hopes.

Panthers pair the key

The Jarome Luai - Nathan Cleary partnership shapes as Souths' biggest hurdle in the quest for the title on Sunday.Remarkably, since they paired up in 2019, Luai and Cleary have won 38 of 41 games together as the Panthers' starting halves.The duo complement each other perfectly and take the heat off each other in big matches.The Rabbitohs will target the pair in the big one - but Melbourne tried the same on Saturday and weren't able to complete the assignment.

Astonishing Cleary record that's gone unnoticed

Nathan Cleary is heading into the big end of season games as the NRL's Mr Unbeatable. Remarkably, Cleary hasn't lost a game since last year's grand final on October 25 - 313 days ago. The stunning winning run underlines just how vital Cleary is to the Panthers' hopes of winning this year's premiership. The goalkicking halfback has missed some games through injury - but Penrith has won all 15 games he has started.He has also won the two Origin games he played, missing game three, which the Blues lost.Panthers teammates Isaah Yeo (20 games) and Brian To'o (17) are also unbeaten at club level, but both were members of the New South Wales team that was beaten by Queensland in that final Origin game.Cleary won just 38 per cent of his games in 2019, but came of age last season, batting at 90 per cent as he led the Panthers to the grand final.He has taken his game to a new level this year with his staggering winning run - and is right in the firing line for both the Dally M and a premiership with the Panthers.

Nathan Cleary, Ryan Papenhuyzen sidelined for grand final rematch

Welcome to Wide World of Sports' live coverage of Thursday night footy! We've got an absolute belter of a clash tonight as last year's grand finalists, the Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm, go head-to-head for an epic rematch. It was the Storm who got the better of their rivals to claim the premiership last year, but this time they'll be without the steady hand of recently retired superstar Cam Smith. Notably, both sides will also be lacking some extra firepower, with both the Storm's Ryan Papenhuyzen and Penrith's Nathan Cleary sidelined through injury. The Panthers and Storm are expected to kick off from 8:05pm. During the match, we'll have all the latest updates, news, highlights and videos to keep you up to date with the action.