Netflix Announces New Sports Documentary: “Heart of the Panther”
By Amelia Cross | October 31, 2025 | Entertainment & Sport
In a thrilling announcement that’s set to excite rugby league fans across Australia and beyond, Netflix has revealed its latest original sports documentary — “Heart of the Panther” — a deep, emotional, and fiercely authentic look at the rise of the Penrith Panthers.
The series promises to celebrate the club’s rich legacy, the community that built it, and, at its emotional core, the extraordinary bond between superstar halfback Nathan Cleary and his father, head coach Ivan Cleary.
Filmed over the course of two seasons, “Heart of the Panther” takes viewers inside the beating heart of the club, from the training grounds of the BlueBet Stadium to the raw intensity of the NRL finals.
Featuring unprecedented access to locker rooms, family homes, and strategic meetings, the documentary paints a never-before-seen portrait of the Panthers’ pursuit of greatness — and the human stories that define it.
Director Sophie Langford, known for her work on The Final Whistle: Inside the Wallabies, describes the series as “a story about legacy, family, and the fine line between triumph and heartbreak.”
> “This isn’t just about rugby league,” Langford explains. “It’s about how a father and son navigate the pressures of success, leadership, and expectation while representing a club that has become the pride of Western Sydney.”
The documentary delves deep into the Cleary dynasty — exploring how Ivan’s calm, tactical mind has helped shape Nathan into one of the game’s most gifted playmakers.
Through candid interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and moments of vulnerability, fans will witness the often untold sacrifices that come with chasing sporting immortality.
Alongside the Clearys, “Heart of the Panther” shines a spotlight on the Panthers’ broader culture — their grassroots programs, loyal supporters, and the electric energy that has seen Penrith rise from an underestimated suburban team to one of the NRL’s most dominant forces.
Past legends, including Greg Alexander and Rhys Wesser, share their reflections on the club’s evolution, while current stars like Brian To’o and Jarome Luai offer insight into the brotherhood driving their continued success.
The six-part docuseries, set to premiere globally on December 12, 2025, has already drawn comparisons to Netflix’s acclaimed sports franchises Drive to Survive and Quarterback, with early reviewers calling it “raw, cinematic, and deeply human.”
In a joint statement, Nathan and Ivan Cleary said, “We’ve always believed the Panthers represent something bigger than football — it’s about family, resilience, and community. To tell that story on a global stage is something we’re truly proud of.”
As anticipation builds, one thing is certain — “Heart of the Panther” is poised to do for rugby league what Drive to Survive did for Formula 1: transform casual viewers into passionate fans, and immortalize the Panthers’ spirit for generations to come.