Nathan Cleary leads late Panthers fightback in 32-28 win over Dragons
The Panthers are 2-0 to start the 2020 season and while it is Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary who is steering the ship, he credits a new recruit for stoking the engines.
Panthers
Don't miss out on the headlines from Panthers. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Nathan Cleary was a good halfback before Api Koroisau arrived. Now he has the potential to become a great one.
And on a night more pressure mounted on under fire St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor after his team bombed a 28-18 lead to go down 32-28, Ivan Cleary’s only dilemma post-match appeared to be what to do with a young sensation who has been likened to Israel Folau.
On the back of his match winning try last week in the win over the Sydney Roosters, 19-year-old Stephen Crichton again stamped his class with another match-clinching touchdown that came after some clever work from Cleary.
The Dragons looked to have the game in the bag midway through the second half but the Panthers refused to surrender, with Cleary orchestrating a remarkable escape that gives Penrith back-to-back victories to start the season.
Watch the 2020 NRL Telstra Premiership on KAYO. Every game of every round LIVE & Ad-Break Free during play. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
CLEARY’S API DAYS
Nathan Cleary is only 22 and already owns the NSW No 7 jumper.
But since returning for 2020 he’s noticeably bigger and stronger, more willing to take the line on, and his game management has gone to another level.
And it is no coincidence Cleary now has a class dummy half to help him out.
When James Maloney left at the end of last year some wondered if Cleary was ready to take the next step.
But what Cleary has showed in his opening two games is that he is more than ready to own this team, and Koroisau could just end up being the buy of the season who Cleary says is “the most underrated player in the comp”.
“It is going pretty well,” Cleary said, after scoring a terrific solo first half try and setting up two more with clever halfback play.
“There are definitely areas I can still improve. But it has been a good start and the addition of API has been a massive help for me.
“It is just the way he controls the forwards and he takes a lot of pressure off me just trying to get us around the field.
“He is very crafty out of hooker. I think he is the most underrated player in the comp.
“His leadership as well goes unnoticed but it is a massive asset to our team.”
FOOTY TIPS! Join Australia’s best footy tipping competition for your chance to win big. Add our experts to your league and join now at TIPS.COM.AU.
MARY’S WORST NIGHTMARE
The one thing Paul McGregor couldn’t afford was a poor start to this season after the Dragons’ 15th placed finish last year.
But with back-to-back losses to Wests Tigers and now Penrith, this is only going to intensify the pressure one of the comps genuine good men.
In round one against the Tigers the Dragons bombed five try scoring chances and should have won the game but just found a way to lose.
In this one they again stole defeat from the jaws of victory.
In 30-plus degree heat, they actually staged a stunning first half turnaround after trailing 12-0 inside the opening quarter to go to the break ahead 16-12, and that was despite only having 42 per cent of possession.
But to their credit they fought back with Matt Dufty instrumental after taking over from fullback from Zac Lomax.
Dufty scored a 90 metre first half intercept try when the Panthers were one pass away from leading 16-0 which sparked the Dragons to life.
And again in the second half it was Dufty’s pure speed and desire that brought the Dragons back into the contest when he busted over for his second try.
But the thing about this Panthers side is that they not only have a stack of talent, but they can find a way to win.
In comparison, the Dragons gave it their all but they appear to be a team desperately lacking confidence.
A STAR IS BORN
In tough times you are always looking for something special to lift your spirits.
And this young flyer from Penrith has the potential to be a rugby league superstar.
Fox League legend Steve Roach commented that Crichton reminds him of a young Folau - and the 19-year-old certainly has all the skills to justify the rap.
In round one he came up with the match winner against the reigning premiers and last night he was on the spot again to celebrate the try that locked the scores with nine minutes remaining on the back of more clever play from Cleary.
“Just looking at him, he’s 6 foot 3, 6 foot 4, lean up top but with really big strong legs,” Roach said.
“I’m looking at him and thinking, he reminds me of Israel Folau.
“I love that segment, who plays like who.”
Crichton started off the bench again last night but came on at fullback to replace Caleb Aekins.
With Dylan Edwards expected back next week, Cleary will be faced with a huge call because you’d imagine he just has to find a way to keep Crichton in the top squad.
PENRITH 32 (N Cleary S Crichton V Kikau A Koroisau B Naden tries N Cleary 6 goals) bt ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA 28 (M Dufty 2 Z Lomax C Norman B Wiliame tries Z Lomax 4 goals) at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium. Referee: Matt Cecchin, Jon Stone