Nathan Cleary delivers latest masterclass against the Broncos

Penrith superstar Nathan Cleary has shown why he’s arguably the best player in the game by tearing the Brisbane Broncos apart.

Cleary was an unstoppable force on Thursday night. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

Just like Shane Warne had Daryll Cullinan, Nathan Cleary has the Brisbane Broncos.

The Penrith superstar was at his mercurial best once again as the Panthers destroyed their rivals to claim the 34-12 victory.

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With the Broncos decimated through injury entering the clash, things went from bad to worse in the opening minutes when Reece Walsh was sent from the field after a brutal head clash.

As the Broncos scrambled, Cleary stepped up to the plate and continually picked the line apart as he fed his teammates over and over again

Cleary produced a piece of magic in the minutes before the halftime break when he set Izack Tago up for his second try of the night.

The 26-year-old had Broncos players in all sorts as threw multiple dummies before offloading to Tago who went across the line with ease to give the Panthers a 22-2 advantage.

“The Penrith halfback is putting on an absolute clinic,” Michael Ennis said on Fox League.

Fans watching on were mesmerised with the display once again being put forth by Cleary against the Broncos.

One fan wrote: “Nathan Cleary is something else.”

A second wrote: “Cleary bamboozled Mam. My goodness.”

A third added: “Nathan Cleary is a cheat code he’s so good at everything on the pitch such a class player.”

Cleary is a wizard! 🧙‍♂️#NRLPanthersBroncospic.twitter.com/YeCklafi0T

— NRL (@NRL) March 21, 2024

Walsh took no further part in the contest and while he initially passed his head injury assessment, he went back down to the rooms after complaining about his vision.

He was officially ruled out of the match at halftime.

Taylan May was placed on report for the hit which ended Walsh’s night, but it was a decision that left Andrew Voss flabbergasted.

Rugby league legend Michael Ennis noted on commentary “we’re going to see a penalty here” and Voss replied: “Really?”

After Sutton placed May on report, Voss couldn’t believe what he’d seen.

“Ok then, if it’s illegal and the player is wounded and that player is now off, can you follow the logic process of that?” Voss said.

“I don’t support the decision at first impression.

Walsh’s eye looked ugly. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

Voss added: “That’s a talking point. Can (NRL) 360 have a special edition on that incident alone? Has the game just been rewritten how it’s played?”

Ennis then pointed out the significant impact Walsh’s absence would have on the Broncos given his importance to their attack.

“Well all of a sudden for Kevin Walters now, plans are in disarray,” Ennis said.

“Their superstar fullback only four minutes into the contest has left the field with a severe cut around the eye after a severe collision with Taylan May.”

Yet Voss continued to scratch his head at why Sutton called the incident a penalty in the first place.

“I don’t agree with the penalty,” Voss said.

“The fact is they’ve blown it. Wounded player, now off the field, potentially gone for the game, and there’s no sin bin?

“I mean, any other high tackle, you’re off to the bin.”

Voss concluded: “I don’t get it, I’m sorry. Duty of care, there’s a lot of accidents in our game and this is an accident.”