Penrith Panthers captain Nathan Cleary has expressed genuine excitement and optimism about the Panthersโ direction ahead of the upcoming NRL season. Despite a challenging 2025 campaign that saw the Panthers miss out on defending their premiership, Cleary insists the clubโs journey is far from over and is relishing the opportunity to build towards future success. ๏ฟฝ
National Rugby League
Cleary, widely regarded as one of rugby leagueโs premier halfbacks, highlighted how valuable this period is for the teamโs growth. With a blend of seasoned leaders and emerging talent, the skipper believes the experience gained last year will fuel a stronger performance come 2026. The Panthers have maintained much of their core lineup and remain one of the powerhouse clubs in the NRL. ๏ฟฝ
National Rugby League
The official 2026 NRL draw released recently also gives Cleary something to look forward to. With some intriguing early fixtures on the schedule, including tough matchups against traditional rivals, the skipper said the team is โbuzzingโ for the challenge that lies ahead. ๏ฟฝ
Yahoo News Australia
Off the field, Cleary has been making headlines with fans for his relaxed moments during the offโseason, where supporters have praised his personality and community engagement โ a reminder of his standing both within and beyond Penrith Panthers circles. ๏ฟฝ
News.com.au
Earlier reports also discussed Clearyโs personal life, reflecting how media attention following his relationship has added some extra interest around him off the field โ but he remains focused on rugby league and leading the Panthers back to the top. ๏ฟฝ
Yahoo News Australia
What Cleary said:
โWeโve had our ups and downs, but thereโs a lot to be excited about โ both in terms of young players stepping up and the challenge ahead. My focus is on us growing stronger and taking that into 2026.โ (paraphrased based on team comments)
Fans and pundits alike are watching closely as the Panthers gear up for another tilt at NRL glory with Cleary firmly at the helm โ excited, determined, and ready for what comes next. ๐ค๐
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