Great news. Atlanta’s general manager has picked the lineup for opening day.

The Aussie superstar sits down with John Davidson to talk the World Club Challenge, rugby union approaches and living in the limelight
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 30: Nathan Cleary of the Panthers looks on during a Penrith Panthers NRL captain’s run at Accor Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon

 

Penrith’s captain is widely regarded as the best player on the planet (Photo: Getty)
author avatar image

The last time Nathan Cleary graced a field in the UK was on the hallowed turf of Old Trafford 15 months ago, when he led Australia to victory against Samoa in the Rugby League World Cup final.

The talented half-back has wasted little time since, winning his third consecutive National Rugby League last year with an inspired second-half performance against the Brisbane Broncos that some have rated as the best individual Grand Final display of all time.

 

At 26, Cleary has the sporting world at his feet. He has conquered the NRL, succeeded in the international arena already and won the State of Origin series. Individually he has been awarded everything from the Clive Churchill Medal to Dally M Half-back of the Year and other player of the year gongs.

 

But the World Club Challenge, the title of being the best club team on the planet, has so far eluded him and his Penrith teammates. Last year the Panthers were beaten on their home turf by St Helens in golden point in a famous upset. A year on from that historic game and the loss still burns.

“I remember back to the feeling after the game last year against St Helens, it was a horrible feeling,” Cleary tells i.

“We don’t want to feel that again. It’s a great opportunity for us in the fact that our club has never won a World Club Challenge, so it’s a great opportunity and just the challenge of being over here in a hostile environment.”

The half-back believes this year’s World Club Challenge, against Saints’ neighbours Wigan Warriors, is even more meaningful because of that bitter defeat at the hands of English opposition in 2023.