Cleary’s Heroic Comeback Secures Dramatic Golden-Point Victory for Panthers

Nathan Cleary, the halfback for the Penrith Panthers, delivered an astounding two-point field goal, clinching a thrilling golden-point win against the Dolphins upon his return from a hamstring injury. This remarkable performance marked his first appearance since Round 10, as he expertly guided Penrith to a 28-26 victory after trailing for much of the match.

In an action-packed contest that saw a total of fifty-two points scored, the Dolphins started strong with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow scoring two tries in the first half. Cleary showcased his kicking prowess by successfully converting five goals from five attempts, which included two challenging sideline conversions that remarkably bounced off the goalpost. The climax of the match came in the 82nd minute when Cleary landed the crucial kick, completing a sensational comeback for the Panthers.

Fans of the Panthers relished the moment as Cleary made his much-anticipated return on a sun-drenched Sunday afternoon at BlueBet Stadium. A crowd of 20,955 watched with bated breath as Cleary’s kick sailed towards the goalposts. The tension had built during the concluding moments of the second half when the Panthers failed to secure their lead, even with Dolphins player Josh Kerr facing a sin-bin penalty with just five minutes left on the clock.

As the ball rocketed through the uprights, the stadium erupted in cheers, a stark contrast to the itching anxiety that had settled over the fans in the waning seconds of the match. Cleary, who had endured nine weeks on the sidelines due to his hamstring injury sustained in Round 10, surely felt the weight of the crowd’s anticipation lifted off his shoulders.

In a moment that could have daunted many players, Cleary remained resolute. He remarked on the thrilling experience, saying, “I sort of just back myself.” Initially hesitant to attempt a long-range shot, Cleary credited his teammates Daine Laurie and Matt Eisenhuth for creating the necessary space and momentum for the decisive kick. “I was thinking ‘there’s no way I’m going to have a shot’,” he explained. However, with a clearer path and favorable conditions, he felt compelled to take the shot.

Cleary further reflected on the moment, acknowledging the uncertainty before the kick. “I didn’t know if it was going over. I kicked it and, to be honest, I didn’t kick it as sweet as I could, but I knew it was straight.” The fans’ reaction was a euphoric release of energy as Cleary’s dramatic kick soared high through the air.

This game stood out as just his sixth appearance of the season; the field goal marked the 16th of his career, underscoring his skill and poise under pressure. Despite the jubilance of Cleary’s comeback, the Dolphins had their opportunities to seize victory. With three minutes still remaining, Jamayne Isaako made a pivotal run upfield, bringing the Dolphins within striking distance of the win.

However, instead of attempting a field goal to take the lead, Katoa decided to shift the play to the wing on the final play of the set, a decision that would haunt the Dolphins, costing them the chance to claim the game. In contrast, Cleary’s calculated execution secured him a magical return to the field.

While the match concluded on a high note, Cleary’s overall performance was a mix of brilliance and minor flaws, as noted by his father and coach, Ivan Cleary. He acknowledged that Cleary showed signs of “rust” after his extended absence yet highlighted that he made the right moves at critical moments. Supported by teammates like Dylan Edwards, Jarome Luai, and Issah Yeo, who were also absent from the field, Cleary’s presence was both crucial and transformative, even as he navigated a more inexperienced backline.

Cleary’s journey back to the field began on the very first play, where he deftly executed a kick that set the tone for the game. His pivotal role came alive during a crucial assist that led to Sunia Turuva’s try in the opening minutes of the match.

The game shifted dramatically when the Dolphins surged ahead, posting two unanswered tries and converting a penalty kick that placed them ahead by 14 points in the second half. However, Penrith rallied as Daine Laurie and Moses Leota each notched tries, pulling the Panthers within two points. Following the disciplinary fallout of the Kerr sin-bin, Cleary capitalized on the opportunity to level the scores, which set the stage for the thrilling conclusion.

As the NRL season unfolds, this win not only signifies Cleary’s return but also highlights his essential role in leading the Panthers through challenges. His ability to perform and inspire during critical moments reinforces his status as one of the league’s premier players. The excitement surrounding Cleary’s return resonates with both fans and teammates alike, foreshadowing a promising continuation of the season for the Penrith Panthers.