In a heartwarming moment that captured the essence of family rivalry and triumph, Penrith Panthers maestro Nathan Cleary delivered a perfectly timed dig at his younger brother Jett during the euphoric celebrations following their Grand Final victory.
The Panthers secured their third consecutive premiership with a hard-fought 14-6 win over Melbourne Storm at Sydney's Accor Stadium, but it was the family dynamics that provided one of the most memorable moments of the night.
Brotherly Banter Takes Centre Stage
As the Cleary family gathered on the field to celebrate the historic achievement, Nathan couldn't resist teasing his 18-year-old brother Jett, who recently made his NRL debut for the Panthers. The halfback was captured on camera asking his younger sibling: "Are you jealous?" in a moment that quickly went viral across social media platforms.
The light-hearted exchange showcased the competitive yet loving relationship between the brothers, with Jett taking the jest in good spirits despite the high-stakes environment of rugby league's biggest stage.
Family Legacy Continues to Grow
The Cleary family represents one of rugby league's most prominent dynasties, with father Ivan Cleary serving as Penrith's head coach and mastermind behind their recent dominance. The emotional scenes saw Ivan embracing both of his sons in what marked their first Grand Final victory together as a complete family unit.
Nathan's performance in the decider further cemented his status as one of the game's premier players, orchestrating the Panthers' attack with his trademark precision and game management under immense pressure.
Historic Three-Peat Achievement
Penrith's victory marked their third straight premiership, a feat rarely achieved in the modern era of rugby league. The win places them among the competition's greatest ever teams and solidifies the Cleary family's legacy in Panthers folklore.
The match itself was a brutal affair, with both teams trading blows in a defensive masterclass that saw the Panthers ultimately prevail through discipline and clinical execution when opportunities arose.
As confetti settled and celebrations began, it was clear that for the Cleary family, this victory represented more than just another trophy - it was a family triumph years in the making, complete with the playful banter that only siblings can share.
