Nathan Cleary, the Penrith Panthers’ star halfback and captain, has opened up about the key moment that reshaped the club’s fortunes, leading to their NRL dynasty.

The Panthers, having dominated the NRL in recent seasons, are now a force to be reckoned with, but it wasn’t always smooth sailing for the team.

According to Cleary, the turning point came in 2018 when the Panthers endured a crushing reality check that propelled them to become one of the most successful teams of the decade.

Reflecting on the early years of his career, Cleary pointed to the 2018 season as a critical juncture. Despite having a talented squad, Penrith’s campaign ended in disappointment, with the team falling short in the finals. The loss, which followed several years of near-misses, left a lasting impression on Cleary and his teammates.

It was a moment that exposed the gap between their potential and their actual performance, forcing the players to confront hard truths about their level of preparedness.

“That season was tough. We had a lot of talent, but we weren’t quite there mentally or physically,” Cleary admitted.

“We thought we could just turn up and win, but that reality check was a wake-up call for all of us. We had to change the way we approached the game.”

Following the disappointment, the Panthers made significant adjustments, both in terms of their game strategies and their work ethic.

It was during this period that the foundation for their future success was laid. Penrith invested heavily in player development, with Cleary himself emerging as a more mature and focused leader.

The club also strengthened their bond, with coach Ivan Cleary emphasizing discipline, resilience, and the importance of unity both on and off the field.

Cleary credited the team’s ability to evolve with their subsequent dominance. “We realized that talent alone wasn’t enough,” he said. “We needed to outwork everyone else, to be more professional in every aspect of our preparation, and that’s what started the change.”

The Panthers’ hard work paid off. They clinched the NRL Premiership in 2021, and their consistency has been unmatched since, with the team remaining a top contender in subsequent seasons.

Cleary’s journey from disappointment to success is a testament to the value of self-reflection and growth in the face of adversity.

As the Panthers continue to chase glory, Nathan Cleary remains at the helm, a player who has experienced both the lows and the highs and understands what it takes to sustain success in the NRL.