General Discussion Thread

[Oldpanther86]

Nathan Cleary act comes to light after Test player brutally axed by Panthers

Coach Ivan Cleary had seen enough. Read more here.

au.yahoo.com

Nathan Cleary's classy act comes to light after brutal axing of Penrith Panthers Test player​

The champion halfback showed his leadership, and it's paying off in spades.​

Sam Goodwin
·Sports Editor
Tue 3 June 2025 at 1:06 pm AEST·3-min read


Casey McLean has revealed the conversation he had with Nathan Cleary after being axed by the Penrith Panthers that spurred him to return with a bang for the defending premiers. McLean was so highly-rated that he made his Test debut for New Zealand last year, but hasn't lived up to his lofty expectations in 2025.
The 19-year-old has made a number of costly blunders, most notably failing to pass to winger Tom Jenkins for what would have been the match-winning try against the Cowboys in Round 5. That came after he was dropped to reserve grade in Round 4, and he then spent another three weeks out of the first-grade team between Round 9-11.

Nathan Cleary had some words of wisdom for Casey McLean after he was axed by the Panthers. Image: Getty
He was recalled to NRL level in Round 12 against the Knights, and scored in the Panthers' 18-10 victory over Parramatta last weekend. Tellingly, he backed himself and threw a dummy that Test winger Zac Lomax fell for as he scored a crucial try in the first half.

Rather than second-guess himself after copping criticism for failing to pass on a number of occasions this year, McLean knew the dummy was on this time and fooled the Eels defenders. Speaking on Tuesday, the teenager opened up on some words of wisdom he received from Cleary after his most recent axing.

"He just says it's a journey. Not everything's going to be highs, so you've got to ride the lows as well," McLean said. "It's just all learning, you can't take things as negatives. You've got to take everything as a positive, find ways to improve, move forward and this (win over the Eels) showcases what happens, I suppose."

People will see that play as not passing again but Lomax turning out made the dummy the best play. If lomax turns in you pass to Jenkins.

 

[age.s]

If you want to raise a family surrounded by nature and space, there no better place than the Blue Mountains Mary.

No one mention the spiders please.

 

[age.s]

People will see that play as not passing again but Lomax turning out made the dummy the best play. If lomax turns in you pass to Jenkins.

100%. You cant criticise the kid when it's legitimately the correct play.

 

[Thirsty Panther]

Should be ready soon.

 

[jane the pain]

If you want to raise a family surrounded by nature and space, there no better place than the Blue Mountains Mary.

No one mention the spiders please.

Or snakes

 

[John Hamblin]

Lindsay Smith picked on the extended bench for NSW. Obviously Daley rates him a lot higher than some on this site.

 

[The Realist]

Lindsay Smith picked on the extended bench for NSW. Obviously Daley rates him a lot higher than some on this site.

He isn't the first great player to be a pumpkin of a coach. Seems to love screwing with the Panthers one way or another.

 

[Fangs]

Ehh I hope he doesn't become 18th man.

 

[Chins]

Ehh I hope he doesn't become 18th man.

No chance of a prop being 18th man

 

[Oldpanther86]

Lindsay Smith picked on the extended bench for NSW. Obviously Daley rates him a lot higher than some on this site.

If someone could tell us what that is it'd be great. The praise I can give him is he was back to make a tackle which saved a try vs tigers the one Edwards caught laying down when bula out jumped him.

 

[Aliceinwonderland]

Lindsay Smith picked on the extended bench for NSW. Obviously Daley rates him a lot higher than some on this site.

I was thinking the same. Commentators remarking on how deserved his call up is......

Oh dear, maybe some egg wiping is needed for some on this forum.

 

[Aliceinwonderland]

There are similar words being said here by some, (you point and I'll whistle) when presented with facts go on with the voodoo doll like narrative.

Not unlike Scotty S try saving tackle, that 'some' supporters declared was a hip drop tackle, without any evidence.......

Is the same thing perhaps occurring here......

 

[Chins]

There are similar words being said here by some, (you point and I'll whistle) when presented with facts go on with the voodoo doll like narrative.

Not unlike Scotty S try saving tackle, that 'some' supporters declared was a hip drop tackle, without any evidence.......

Is the same thing perhaps occurring here......

Sorro's tackle has been ruled a "hip drop" for the last few years. I don't agree with that but it's a fact

 

[Oldpanther86]

Sorro's tackle has been ruled a "hip drop" for the last few years. I don't agree with that but it's a fact

It's not because he landed on the ground not the legs first.

 

[Girds89]

Hopefully smith getting picked will get his form back to where it was last year.

Hes got not power through the line at the moment.

We really really need the week in camp to pump him up and try get him back to his best.

 

[Chins]

It's not because he landed on the ground not the legs first.

That hasn't mattered. I think it was the best tackle of 2025 but it's been a penalty for years

 

[Oldpanther86]

That hasn't mattered. I think it was the best tackle of 2025 but it's been a penalty for years

It's what the rule says and why it wasn't penalised or charged.

 

[Chins]

It's what the rule says and why it wasn't penalised or charged.

Don't pretend the refs know or apply the rules evenly

 

[Oldpanther86]

Don't pretend the refs know or apply the rules evenly

Definitely doesn't mean we can't admit when they get one right.