NRL

7 months ago

Why Cleary’s match-winning field goal re-establishes him as NRL’s most clutch player

By Dominic Criniti

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Penrith Panthers star Nathan Cleary starred in his return from a lengthy hamstring injury, sealing a 28-26 win over the Dolphins on Sunday afternoon with a sensational field goal from 40 metres out.

Cleary was tasked with leading his side to victory without five of its Origin stars against a Dolphins side desperate to return to the winner’s circle.

Despite looking close to losing the game in the late stages of the clash, a composed Cleary delivered a trademark performance and made his return one to remember with one of the best field goals in recent memory.

The performance is the latest in a line of clutch showings from the Panthers halfback, leaving the club’s Deputy Chairman and SEN’s Greg Alexander in awe of his late-game ability.

“He’s kicked some great field goals and some two-point (field goals),” Alexander said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“That one didn’t have to be a two-pointer but they just didn’t get far enough down the field for him to be inside the 40 (metre line).

“To be able to do that, how many times have we said, he’s the best clutch player in the game.”

Alexander's co-host, Andrew Voss was astounded by the performance given the severity of Cleary’s injury and his recovery timeline.

“He’s coming back from a hamstring injury (as well),” Voss added.

“His first two goal kicks of the day are from left and right touchlines, he hit the post with that.

“I guess if he’s a perfectionist he’s saying, ‘I didn’t hit it right, I’m not aiming for the post’, but the fact is he hits the post and they both go in, then he kicks the golden point field goal.

“That’s amazing, it’s an amazing sport isn’t it?”

Cleary is expected to be named alongside his NSW Blues teammates when the Panthers travel to play the St George Illawarra Dragons on Sunday afternoon.

Penrith Panthers
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