Nathan Cleary spills beans on Adam Reynolds text after speech furore
Nathan Cleary has spoken for the first time of the text message he received from Adam Reynolds after his Grand Final speech sparked anger.
Nathan Cleary has revealed Adam Reynolds texted him personally in a classy act following the Panthers’ Grand Final win.
The Broncos playmaker was accused of being “classless” after forgetting to congratulate Penrith in his Grand Final speech.
The former Rabbitohs star moved immediately to correct his mistake, sharing his congratulations to the Panthers just hours after the final siren in a social media post.
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Now, Cleary, riding high on the back of the Panthers’ premiership hat-trick, revealed Reynolds took things even further.
“I have a lot of admiration for Reyno. So that was cool,” Cleary said about the text he received.
“He actually apologised for not mentioning us in his post-match speech: I said it’s 100 per cent fine. Then he just said congratulations.”
After having his heart ripped out of his chest, Reynolds can be forgiven for overlooking the Panthers in his speech — but not everybody saw it that way.
The veteran playmaker was visibly crestfallen when interviewed on the field after the match and was no better when called on to speak on behalf of his team before the Panthers’ premiership rings ceremony.
In a strange series of events, referee Adam Gee was one of the first people Reynolds thanked.
“Firstly I’d like to thank the NRL and Telstra. Thanks for another great season. Without you guys, none of this is possible,” he said.
“To everyone who made today possible in the background (thankyou). The match officials, particularly Adam Gee, congratulations on your first referee (Grand Final).
“To the Broncos. All the boys. Keep your head up lads. It’s been one hell of a year. I love every single one of yas. To all our fans and supporters, both interstate and back home, we’re extremely sorry we couldn’t get the job done tonight, but we’ll be back bigger and stronger next year.”
Reynolds had just watched his team get rolled over in 20 minutes of madness with the Panthers becoming the first team to ever comeback from 16 points down in a Grand Final.
When interviewed on the field, the 33-year-old said: “I’m extremely proud but geez we let that one slip. Can’t fault the effort of the team but lapses in concentration, it’s a hard one to take.
“Credit to Penrith, they were fantastic, obviously led by Nathan Cleary.
“I’ve got no words, I can’t sum that one up.”
Reynolds corrected his error afterwards, taking to Instagram to post a correction and congratulate the three-peat champions.
“This one hurts,” he wrote.
“Sorry to all Bronx nation. Love you guys. Sorry we couldn’t get the job done.
“Apologies for my speech, I forgot to congratulate @penrithpanthers. One hell of a team. Congrats on another premiership and great season.
“See you all back in Brisbane.”
Reynolds appeared to be in distress in the first half when he fell in an awkward tumble that resulted in him doing the splits.
It appeared he had suffered a groin muscle injury — but was able to play out the game.
It was another case of Grand Final heartbreak for Reynolds, who lost the 2021 Gand Final to the Panthers while playing for South Sydney.
His opposite No. 7 — Nathan Cleary, put on one of the greatest Grand Final performances of all time, scoring the match winning try with two minutes to play.
Cleary was all class when addressing the Broncos as he accepted the Clive Churchill Medal as the best player on the field.
“To the Broncos boys, (you are) an absolute beast team,” he said.
“You’re very young. Shout-out to Ezra Mam as well, you’re a freak.
“Thanks for that game. It’s the hardest game I’ve ever played.”