James Maloney reveals early signs that set Nathan Cleary up for greatness… and why Panthers, Brisbane and bulldogs can achieve five-peat….

James Maloney Reveals Early Signs That Set Nathan Cleary Up for Greatness and Why Panthers, Brisbane, and Bulldogs Can Achieve Five-Peat

 

In a fascinating insight into the future of NRL, former Penrith Panthers star James Maloney has revealed the early signs that set Nathan Cleary up for greatness. Maloney, who played alongside Cleary during his time at Penrith, shared his thoughts on the halfback’s rise to stardom, as well as his belief that Cleary’s leadership could guide not just the Panthers, but also the Brisbane Broncos and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, to long-term dominance in the NRL.

 

Cleary, widely regarded as one of the NRL’s best playmakers, has been integral in the Panthers’ rise to dominance, leading them to back-to-back premierships in 2021 and 2022. According to Maloney, it was clear from an early stage that Cleary had the potential to become one of the game’s greats.

 

“I remember when Nathan first came into the team as a young kid,” Maloney recalled. “He had an incredible ability to control the game with his kicking, vision, and decision-making. You could see it even in training, the way he approached each session, his work ethic was second to none. He wasn’t just relying on his natural talent—he worked hard every day to get better.”

 

Maloney went on to emphasize Cleary’s maturity and mental strength, qualities that have allowed the young halfback to thrive under pressure. “What really sets Nathan apart is his ability to handle the big moments. In our finals run, you could always count on him to step up when the game was on the line. His calmness under pressure is what makes him special.”

 

Looking ahead, Maloney believes that the Panthers are well-positioned to continue their success, not just in 2025, but potentially for years to come. He highlighted the Panthers’ strong development system, which has produced a wealth of talented players, including Cleary, who have helped build a winning culture. “Penrith have got a great setup, and they’ve built a winning culture,” Maloney said. “They’re in a fantastic position to keep going for a few more years. With Nathan at the helm, it’s not out of the question that they can achieve a five-peat.”

 

Maloney didn’t stop there—he also expressed confidence in the prospects of the Brisbane Broncos and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs achieving similar success. “The Broncos and Bulldogs are in a similar position,” he explained. “Brisbane’s young talent is undeniable, and with their experienced leaders, they’ve got all the right pieces to build a dynasty. As for the Bulldogs, they’re bringing in some real quality players, and with the right coaching, they could be a real threat in the coming years. If all three clubs manage their rosters well, a five-peat is absolutely within reach.”

 

As the 2025 season approaches, the Panthers, Broncos, and Bulldogs are set to compete at the highest level, with strong squads and great leadership. Cleary’s excellence at the helm of the Panthers is expected to continue for years to come, while Brisbane and the Bulldogs look set to build their own pathways to greatness.

 

With the possibility of a five-peat on the horizon for these three teams, the next few seasons in the NRL are shaping up to be an exciting and competitive era. James Maloney’s insights offer a glimpse into a future where the top clubs continue to dominate, and the NRL’s young stars step into the spotlight.