Nathan Cleary has surpassed Greg Alexander as Penrith’s greatest ever halfback.
Some would argue Cleary was already ahead of the 1991 Grand Final hero but there can now be no doubts following tonight’s Grand Final victory over Brisbane.
Cleary has guided Penrith to three straight Premierships and is still only 25-years-old.
Alexander is Penrith’s favourite son and he’ll forever be remembered as the first number seven to win a title with Penrith.
But there can be no doubt now of Cleary’s status as Penrith’s best ever halfback and perhaps greatest ever player.
Penrith’s victory tonight marks the first time a team has won three straight Premierships in the NRL era.
The game appeared gone before Cleary put his foot down to bring Penrith from 16 points down to win 26-24. Cleary won the Clive Churchill Medal for a second time.
Troy Dodds is the Weekender’s Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.
