Seriously, just how good is Nathan Cleary?
Sometimes we risk taking for granted the once-in-a-generation player we’re watching dominate at the foot of the Mountains.
But his field goal in Golden Point against the Dolphins last weekend in his comeback game from a hamstring injury just proved not only how important he is to this Penrith team, but how much of a game-changer he is.
Another clutch moment in the bag.
And any Penrith fan nervous about this Premiership run ending at three – still an incredible achievement – perhaps let themselves dream of a fourth straight title after full-time on Sunday, and deservedly so.
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While Melbourne have one hand on the J.J. Giltinan Shield, Penrith appear on track to finish in the top two and importantly assure themselves of a second bite of the cherry and a home final.
To achieve that though, they definitely needed to win games like that against the Dolphins last Sunday, and the same goes for this weekend’s match against St George-Illawarra in Wollongong.
The Dragons’ Finals chances go on the line over the next fortnight with back-to-back matches against the Panthers and Storm. Should they somehow win both of them, Shane Flanagan will almost certainly guide his side to the post-season. Even one of the two, however, would be quite the achievement.
And the Dragons would rate themselves a shot at causing a boilover on Sunday, having already accounted for Penrith this season a – 22-10 victory at the foot of the Mountains back in June.
Things are a little different now though, with four of Penrith’s five Origin players back in the side this weekend. Only Dylan Edwards, who picked up a knee injury in last week’s epic decider, is still sidelined. After all the talk of the Origin period and the supposed drain it has on club football, the Panthers can now focus solely on the run to the Finals and the line-up this weekend certainly looks tougher and ready for such a journey.
One problem for Penrith is the depth in their outside backs, which is now being seriously tested. A broken arm has sidelined Paul Alamoti, who was only in the squad permanently following the departure of Taylan May. With Brian To’o back this weekend, Casey McLean now appears to have locked down a centre position for the time being.
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Ivan Cleary would be determined for Penrith to improve their completion rate this weekend after they delivered a 76 per cent in that field against the Dolphins.
It was really only the experience of Cleary and the Dolphins not quite getting it right towards the end of regulation time that ensured the Panthers could come back and win in Golden Point last weekend.
The Panthers will definitely have to be better against the Dragons, who have certainly proven themselves as a nuisance this season. Fresh from the bye and with the likes of Ben Hunt and Zac Lomax back on deck, they’ll certainly make a fist of things. Their record at Wollongong this year is also very impressive.
St George-Illawarra will likely chance their arm and throw the ball around a fair bit here – in fact, they’re fourth in the competition for offloads, proving a key component of their game has been keeping the ball alive.
I wouldn’t be surprised if this was quite a high scoring game, not too dissimilar to the clash against the Dolphins. But there’s one difference – I think the vast majority of the points will belong to the Panthers. I can’t see the Dragons going with Cleary’s men once they put the foot down.
Tip: Panthers by 16.
Penrith and St George-Illawarra will play at WIN Stadium on Sunday, July 28 at 2pm. The game is live on Fox League and Kayo.
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Troy Dodds
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.