Indi Cleary, the older sister of Penrith Panthers rugby league star Nathan Cleary, has demonstrated that exceptional talent runs deeply in the family, dazzling judges and audiences alike to secure a major victory at a local dance competition. The event served as a fundraiser, successfully collecting donations for the Cancer Council, a cause close to many hearts.
A Family Affair on and off the Field
The popular business owner and podcast host performed on stage with her entire immediate family in attendance, including her brother Nathan, father Ivan Cleary, and mother Bec. Nathan and Ivan's presence was particularly noteworthy, as they completed a frantic dash from Allianz Stadium immediately following the Penrith Panthers' dominant victory over the Sydney Roosters earlier that evening.
Carving a Successful Path Beyond Football
Indi Cleary is actively carving out a highly successful career distinct from her family's well-documented football obsession. She is the founder of 'Empower Her', a dynamic women's networking group based in Penrith that meets regularly with the mission of empowering local businesswomen to reach new professional heights.
Additionally, she hosts the 'Beyond Barriers' podcast, which focuses intently on sharing challenging, real-world stories to inspire and connect with listeners. Her victory in the dance competition further underscores her multifaceted talents and community involvement.
Panthers' Strong Season Start and Stadium Transition
Meanwhile, Nathan and Ivan Cleary have enjoyed a remarkably successful start to the 2026 National Rugby League season, with the Penrith Panthers remaining undefeated through the first three rounds. The team's upcoming Saturday clash marks their first home game this season at CommBank Stadium.
The Panthers will continue to host their home games at this adoptive venue until the refurbishment of Penrith Stadium is completed, which is scheduled in time for the 2027 campaign. Reflecting on last season's initial challenges at CommBank Stadium, Nathan Cleary noted, 'We probably underestimated how different it would be at the start of last season but towards the end of the season we started to play some really good footy there.'
The team lost their first three games at the venue last season but are entering the current season with significantly greater assurance and adaptability, buoyed by their strong early performance and family support both on the field and in personal pursuits like Indi's artistic achievements.
