In a historic announcement today, the Penrith Panthers revealed their decision to retire the jersey number of star halfback Nathan Cleary, marking the first time in the club’s
history that such an honor has been bestowed upon a player. Cleary, who has been instrumental in the Panthers’ recent successes, including back-to-back NRL premierships, is widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation.
The announcement came as a surprise to many, given Cleary’s young age and ongoing career. However, the club emphasized that the decision was made to honor Cleary’s extraordinary contributions and his deep connection with the Penrith community. Since his debut in 2016, Cleary has not only been a leader on the field but has also represented the club with distinction at the state and international levels.
Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher expressed the club’s pride in Cleary’s achievements, stating, “Nathan’s impact on this club is immeasurable. His dedication, leadership, and talent have set a new standard for excellence at Penrith.” Fans and teammates alike have praised Cleary for his professionalism and humble demeanor, with many considering this gesture as a fitting tribute to a player who has given so much to the game.
