Penrith Panthers star Nathan Cleary openly acknowledged the discomfort he experienced following a fierce tackle from Sharks player Briton Nikora during their match in Las Vegas. The bone-jarring impact left Cleary gasping for breath towards the end of the Panthers’ 28-22 win on Sunday, briefly incapacitating him on the field as he struggled to regain his composure.
Former rugby league great Andrew Johns remarked on the severity of such hits, emphasising their painful nature. Mat Thompson added that Cleary seemed significantly shaken, questioning whether the halfback had regained full breath before they needed him back in play.
Despite the blow, Cleary demonstrated resilience, with medical staff aiding him as the game progressed. He quickly re-entered the fray, taking the lead in guiding his team towards victory. Reflecting on the incident after the match, Cleary admitted the tackle was tough to recover from, jokingly describing himself as “grade five winded” and expressing his initial embarrassment at being affected.
Following the challenging experience, he focused on the positives of their performance, acknowledging a few errors but expressing satisfaction with securing a win in the season opener. Cleary was enthusiastic about the unique atmosphere of playing in Las Vegas, remarking on the impressive field and the overall experience.
Overall, the match was an important milestone for the Panthers as they aim for their fifth consecutive premiership, and Cleary’s determination exemplified his commitment to the team’s success, despite the rocky start.