James Maloney, a seasoned NRL playmaker, recognized Nathan Cleary’s potential early in his career. Their relationship began when Cleary served as a ball boy during Maloney’s tenure with the New Zealand Warriors, where Ivan Cleary, Nathan’s father, was the coach. Reflecting on this connection, Maloney remarked, “I remember when he was our ball boy when I was playing under his old man at the Warriors. It’s funny how things work out.” ([National Rugby League.
Upon joining the Penrith Panthers in 2018, Maloney was impressed by Cleary’s composure and maturity on the field. He noted, “He’s been amazing what he’s delivered so far in first grade at such a young age. He plays so composed.
Maloney emphasized that his role was to support Cleary’s development, stating, “I’m not going there to take over. He controls the team and he does that well. I’ll play around him and hopefully help him along the way.”
Despite the high expectations placed on Cleary, Maloney believed they were premature, given Cleary’s youth. He commented, “The problem is the expectation now is immense when he’s still a young kid going through and developing.” ([New South Wales, Maloney’s mentorship and guidance were instrumental in helping Cleary navigate the pressures of professional rugby league.
The Panthers’ recent fourth consecutive NRL premiership victory has sparked discussions about the possibility of achieving an unprecedented five-peat. Their success is attributed to a combination of experienced leadership, emerging talent, and a strong team culture. Coach Ivan Cleary and star player Nathan Cleary have highlighted the difficulty of this accomplishment and expressed disbelief and pride in what the team has achieved.
While the prospect of a five-peat is ambitious, the Panthers’ current trajectory suggests they have the foundation to pursue this historic feat. The blend of seasoned players and rising stars, coupled with a resilient team ethos, positions them well for future challenges.
