Rugby league icon Nathan Cleary has candidly shared the relentless verbal barbs he endures from opposition fans during matches, while also reflecting on the immense pressure he faces in the State of Origin arena. The Penrith Panthers playmaker, a four-time NRL premiership winner, revealed these personal insights during a recent appearance on the Unscripted podcast alongside former teammate Josh Mansour.
The Relentless Fan Sledges Targeting His Chin
Cleary disclosed that regardless of whether he is playing in Australia or the United Kingdom, rival supporters never miss an opportunity to mock his distinctive facial feature. 'Whenever I'm goalkicking...there is always sledging,' the champion halfback admitted. 'They say stuff like 'why don't you kick this one with your chin?''
He emphasised that these taunts no longer affect him, instead choosing to embrace them as part of his identity. 'It doesn't hurt me, it is part of who I am...(these days) I have a laugh about it,' Cleary stated, demonstrating a mature perspective on the often brutal world of professional sports banter.
Personal Life and Championship Ambitions
Off the field, Cleary has been in a long-distance relationship with Matildas winger Mary Fowler since 2023. On it, he remains fiercely ambitious, targeting a remarkable fifth NRL title this season with the Penrith Panthers.
The Panthers are entering the new campaign with added motivation after their preliminary final defeat to the Brisbane Broncos last year. That loss halted their extraordinary run of four consecutive premierships, a dynasty that began in 2021.
Confronting State of Origin Scrutiny
Cleary also opened up about the disappointment of losing last year's State of Origin decider with New South Wales. In that crucial match, he was outplayed by Queensland's Tom Dearden, with the Maroons securing a 24-12 victory. The performance reignited debates about Cleary's temperament and ability to excel on rugby league's most demanding stage.
'I know that if I played better, it would have put us in a better position to win the game,' he conceded, showing characteristic accountability.
The Andrew Johns Comparison Shadow
The playmaker acknowledged the heavy burden of comparison to Immortal Andrew Johns, whose legendary 2005 Origin series remains the gold standard for NSW halfbacks. 'With Origin, I'm unfortunate in a way because of Andrew Johns and how great he was on that stage,' Cleary reflected. 'I do feel like sometimes everyone wants me to be 2005 Andrew Johns.'
He highlighted the unique challenges of the Origin arena, noting, 'At the end of the day, we are playing the best of the best and it's a very difficult stage to excel.' Despite this, Cleary remains self-critical and determined: 'That being said, I know I can be a lot better.'
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season Opener
Penrith will begin their quest for redemption with a blockbuster 2026 NRL season opener against the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium on March 6. This high-stakes rematch provides an immediate opportunity for Cleary and his Panthers teammates to set the tone for their championship aspirations.
