Nathan Cleary’s Historic 2025: From Last Place to Finals Contention in Remarkable Panthers Season

Record-Breaking Achievement and Season Challenges

Nathan Cleary achieved a significant milestone in 2025, becoming Penrith’s all-time record point scorer during the club’s 40-12 victory over the Sydney Roosters in round 7.

The season has been nothing short of dramatic for Cleary and the Panthers. After opening the season with a victory in Las Vegas, the team experienced a significant downturn, winning just two of their next ten games and falling to last place after 12 rounds. However, they mounted an impressive comeback, securing a win against Parramatta that triggered a remarkable run of nine consecutive victories.

State of Origin Challenges

Cleary participated in all three games of the 2025 State of Origin series, where New South Wales were heavily favored. However, the Blues ultimately lost the series 2-1, with Cleary facing criticism for his performance in crucial moments.

Current Form and Team Leadership

Recent performances have shown glimpses of Cleary’s brilliance, particularly during Magic Round where he led the four-time premiers to an impressive victory, delivering a masterclass performance against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.

Cleary has acknowledged the season’s challenges, stating that while he hadn’t been playing to his desired standard, the team’s preparation remained strong. He has emphasized the importance of performing on big stages, particularly in full stadiums against quality opposition.

Finals Prospects

As the season approaches its climax, the Panthers find themselves in seventh position on the ladder. To claim an unprecedented fifth straight premiership, they’ll need to win four consecutive games in the finals – a feat that hasn’t been achieved by a team outside the top four in 30 years.

Despite the challenges, the team remains confident in their capabilities. Their extensive experience in finals and big games has positioned them well for the challenge ahead, with Cleary and his teammates believing they’re in a good place to battle for another premiership.