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