Nathan Cleary has already cemented himself as one of the NRL’s greatest halfbacks, leading the Penrith Panthers to three consecutive premierships and carving out a legacy that rivals the all-time greats. But according to former Panthers playmaker James Maloney, Cleary’s meteoric rise was no accident. The veteran half, who played alongside Cleary during Penrith’s early years of dominance, has now revealed the key traits that set the superstar No. 7 on his path to greatness—and why the Panthers are well-positioned to chase an unprecedented five-peat.
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### **The Early Signs of Cleary’s Greatness**
James Maloney, a seasoned playmaker with premiership success at multiple clubs, had a front-row seat to Cleary’s development when the two played together at the Panthers in 2018 and 2019. While many saw Cleary as a promising talent back then, Maloney knew he was witnessing something special.
“Nathan was different from the start,” Maloney told reporters. “He wasn’t just a young bloke with skill—he had an incredible work ethic, an obsession with getting better, and a mental toughness that you don’t often see in players his age.”
Maloney recalled that Cleary was always the first player on the training paddock and the last to leave. His dedication to the game extended beyond natural talent—he studied video footage meticulously, worked tirelessly on his kicking game, and constantly sought advice to improve his leadership.
“He had this unshakable focus. Even when we had tough losses, you could see how he processed things differently. He wasn’t someone who just shrugged it off or got emotional. He analyzed what went wrong, found solutions, and put them into action,” Maloney explained.
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### **The Evolution of a Champion**
Since Maloney’s departure at the end of 2019, Cleary has only gone from strength to strength. Under coach Ivan Cleary—his father—he has refined his game to become one of the most dominant halfbacks in NRL history.
His pinpoint kicking, game management, and clutch performances in grand finals have drawn comparisons to the greatest playmakers in the sport. The 2023 NRL Grand Final was the ultimate testament to his ability to take control under pressure. With the Panthers trailing 24-8 against the Brisbane Broncos, Cleary produced one of the greatest solo performances in grand final history, orchestrating a comeback that sealed Penrith’s third consecutive premiership.
“The way he controls a game now is just unreal,” Maloney said. “He’s got that calmness that you see in the best players—he never looks rattled, even when the team is under the pump.”
Maloney also credited Cleary’s leadership qualities, which have grown exponentially over the years. “When I was there, he was still finding his voice. Now, you can see he commands the team, and everyone follows his lead. That’s what makes a great halfback.”
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### **Can the Panthers Achieve a Five-Peat?**
Winning three straight premierships is already a historic achievement, but the question now is whether Penrith can continue their dominance and complete an unprecedented five-peat. No team in NRL history has ever won five consecutive titles, but Maloney believes the Panthers have the ingredients to make it happen.
“It’s definitely possible,” he said. “They’ve built a winning culture that’s really hard to break. They don’t rely on one or two superstars—they have depth, they develop their juniors better than anyone, and their system keeps producing elite players.”
One of Penrith’s biggest strengths is their ability to handle roster turnover. Despite losing key players like Api Koroisau, Viliame Kikau, and Stephen Crichton in recent years, they have seamlessly integrated new talent without losing momentum.
“It’s about the next-man-up mentality,” Maloney explained. “Guys like Mitch Kenny, Sunia Turuva, and Spencer Leniu have stepped up when they’ve needed to. That’s what great teams do.”
Another key factor in Penrith’s ongoing success is their defensive resilience. Under Ivan Cleary, the Panthers have consistently boasted the best defensive record in the NRL, suffocating opposition teams and making it incredibly difficult for them to break through.
“Defense wins premierships,” Maloney said. “Penrith’s defensive system is so well-drilled that even when they’re not at their best, they don’t let teams put big scores on them. That’s what keeps them in games and why they’re always a threat.”
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### **The Cleary Factor: Why Nathan Holds the Key to the Five-Peat**
While the Panthers’ success is built on their system and depth, there’s no denying that Cleary is the linchpin holding it all together. His game management, leadership, and ability to deliver in clutch moments make him the most influential player in the competition.
“As long as Nathan is there, they’re always a chance,” Maloney stated. “He’s in his prime now, and he’s only going to get better. He’s the type of player who keeps raising the bar.”
Maloney also pointed to Cleary’s ability to evolve as a key reason why Penrith can continue their dominance. “He doesn’t get complacent. Every year, he adds something new to his game. He’s never satisfied, and that’s what makes him so dangerous.”
If the Panthers are to achieve a five-peat, they will need to navigate the challenges that come with sustained success—player departures, increased pressure, and the hunger of rival teams looking to dethrone them. However, with Cleary at the helm, their chances remain strong.
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### **Conclusion: A Dynasty in the Making?**
James Maloney has seen firsthand what makes Nathan Cleary special, and he has no doubt that the Panthers have what it takes to keep rewriting history. With an elite system, a winning culture, and the best halfback in the game leading the charge, Penrith’s five-peat dream is very much alive.
“They’re not slowing down anytime soon,” Maloney said. “If anyone can do it, it’s this team. And with Nathan Cleary running the show, anything is possible.”