logo
‘Dangerous' Nathan Cleary sight called out amid brutal Panthers downfall

‘Dangerous' Nathan Cleary sight called out amid brutal Panthers downfall

News.com.au30-04-2025
The Panthers have 'lost their hard edge' and 'swagger' which has resulted in their downfall and ultimately Ivan Cleary's outfit slipping out of the 2025 premiership race.
That is according to rugby league legends Braith Anasta and Gorden Tallis, who both admitted they don't believe the four-time premiers will compete for a title this season.
What's more, a worrying trend has been exposed in the Panthers' attack, with Nathan Cleary drifting across the field with a lack of options.
Watch your team in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership. Stream every round LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play, on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer.
'Nathan specifically here, I find those cross shapes, I find them dangerous... what it starts to do to playmakers in the long-term,' Matty Johns said on Matty and Cronk.
'You start to get in that mode of going across and you start to lose that upfield punch.'
While Cooper Cronk added: 'They are trying to do the same things and replicate the same style with some players not being able to do it as well as.
'It is forcing some of their better players to try and do a lot more. They look frustrated at the moment.
'With Cleary when your hips are East-West as opposed to North-South, you become less effective as a ball player.
'You can run across the field four or five times, but you need to then get your hips back square to the defensive line and then be able to move.'
Anasta, who spent 245 games in the No.6 jersey, explained that exact move is one playmakers revert to when they are lacking options in the backline.
'At the moment they lack confidence, lack belief. They've lost players and they just don't have that punch, so that set-up play is not as effective,' Anasta said on NRL360 on Wednesday night.
'When I was out of form as a half, that was the play I went to...It's easy, a drop off, and you do that when you don't have as many options.'
Cleary's options have come limited after the departures of a host of big-name stars, with Jarome Luai and James Fisher-Harris departing ahead of the 2025 season.
In years gone by, Matt Burton, Viliame Kikau, Api Koroisau and Stephen Crichton have also moved on, with all of those players winning premierships at the Panthers.
Now Penrith sit with only two wins from eight games, with a mammoth task ahead of them to keep their hopes of a fifth straight premiership alive.
'They've lost so much talent, I believe they used to run that play but they had better options,' Tallis said.
'I think they've lost that real hard edge they had... they aren't as hard as they used to be for 80 minutes.'
Fox League's James Hooper echoed the opinion of both Anasta and Tallis, explaining the Panthers have a different attitude in 2025.
The 'arrogance' of the Panthers between 2021 and 2024 seems to have evaporated, with a host of big-name stars unable to inspire their team to victory.
'They were a side who had a lot of attitude, had a lot of confidence and even a little bit of arrogance and a swagger. Luai would walk in with the boom box blaring,' Hooper said.
'They were an intimidating side to come up against. With all the players that they've lost, they've lost a little bit of that being the side every other team feared.'
The Panthers have also featured in the past five grand finals, losing to the Storm in 2020 in a season that kicked off their dynasty.
However, with such an elite level of performances across an extended period, comes a fatigued squad.
'I think they are mentally fatigued... to stay up for that long, it's almost inhumane. To be as great as they were for as long as they were,' Anasta said.
'When you've won a comp, to back it up the next year is hard enough let alone to do it for four.
'I hadn't lost hope in the Panthers and I kept saying every week they will be alright. But after the weekend, finally I don't think they can win the premiership this year.'
Penrith's form has also cast the spotlight on a host of players in the frame for Origin selection, with Nathan Cleary battling for a spot in the NSW halves.
'If the Panthers continue the way they are, it's a big call to remove the incumbents,' Anasta said.
'These two (Jarome Luai and Mitchell Moses) were some of the best on the field... it becomes a question that may have not been a question a few months ago.'
However, both Tallis and The Daily Telegraph's David Riccio poured cold water on any suggestions Cleary doesn't slot back into the No.7 jersey.
'It's a headache, not a migraine. You boys are pretending it's a big migraine,' Tallis said.
'It's a toss up on who plays No.6.'
Riccio added: 'He walks straight into the Blues jumper, it's not even a question. He's the best halfback in the game.'
However, Anasta pointed to Queensland's selection mentality, claiming that those north of the border would pick and stick with Luai and Moses.
'Queensland are the opposite, they would pick and stick. They have a winning combination there that won last year's series,' Anasta said.
'Cleary is arguably the best player in the comp, but he hasn't done that at Origin level... we are going to change a winning combination for a player who hasn't won that much at NSW level.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Footy world uses the same word for Toby Greene's latest act
Footy world uses the same word for Toby Greene's latest act

News.com.au

time5 hours ago

  • News.com.au

Footy world uses the same word for Toby Greene's latest act

The Giants stormed home for a stunning 38-point win over the Swans on Friday night, but huge sections of the footy world were left using the same word for Toby Greene after his latest aggressive act against Isaac Heeney. The Swans led by 28 points at halftime, but the Giants turned the match on its head after the main break, prevailing 15.12 (102) to 8.10 (58) to effectively end Sydney's season. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1. With both teams battling for a shot at September in a massive Sydney Derby, Greene adopted his usual confrontational style, but may have stepped over the line in the first quarter. And at a time when the Giants need him more than ever, the skipper could be looking at yet another stint on the sidelines with four matches now remaining in the regular season. The Swans copped an unfortunate blow in the first minute of the game when Hayden McLean took an accidental shot to the head and was immediately subbed out. Despite that setback, Sydney still worked its way on top in the first term before Greene struck. Midway through the quarter, Sydney's Aaron Francis spilled a mark before finding Errol Gulden, who got smashed in a tackle as the footy bounced free. Francis managed to get it back and handballed to Heeney, who shrugged off Greene's attempted tackle before he was wrapped up by Sam Taylor Greene didn't take kindly to being dropped by Heeney, returning to the contest and appearing to aim his elbow or forearm right at the side of the Sydney superstar's head. Greene looked up at the umpire hoping for a holding the ball decision before the umpire called a high tackle against him. 'They reversed it, I think it was Toby Greene for high contact after the holding the ball decision,' Leigh Montagna said calling the action on Fox Footy. When Alastair Lynch suggested Greene 'gave him one to the guts', Dwayne Russell fired back: 'I reckon he got him a bit higher than the guts looking at that replay.' The commentary team then got on with calling the action, with the Swans kicking six straight goals either side of quarter-time to grab control of the game. But Ben Dixon was focused on Greene at the first break. 'No shots fired during the week, very quiet leading into Derby 31 and Toby Greene might've been saving his rounds because the first quarter he was firing shots left, right and centre,' he said from the boundary line. 'Isaac Heeney's 'don't argue' on Toby Greene, he said 'I'm not having that', comes in with a forearm to the head, reverse free kick. That was holding the ball. 'And then off the ball with Aaron Francis, just one to the chest, throwing his weight around. 'He's not going to miss many tonight the way the captain's going about it.' Greene also showed his contempt towards fellow agitator Tom Papley heading to the halftime break, telling Fox Footy 'he's looking overweight, see how he goes second half'. Social media immediately caught fire over the incident between Heeney and the man who holds two highly unwanted AFL records. Greene has been hit with 25 charges by the AFL Match Review committee and $35,600 worth of fines, both all-time records in the competition's history. Footy producer Brad Klibansky wrote on X: 'That's a weak act from Toby Greene.' Bryce O'Connor tweeted: 'I normally defend Toby, but that was s**thouse!' Footy account Outbreezy WC said: 'I like Toby Greene but he is 100% a dirty player.' The Surly Sportsman replied: 'I like him too, but someone needs to smack him in his face for real.' A whole range of footy fans all used the same word to describe the combative Giants star. X account @drawnbarrier13 wrote: 'Once a grub, always a grub.' @matthewsmith510 said: 'What an absolute f**king grub Toby is.' @danieIthompson offered: 'Toby Greene is a complete grub. Complete myth too, hasn't been good since 2019.' Jon Malpa stated: 'Toby Greene proving yet again that he is the biggest grub in the AFL.' BMacca Sports added: 'Red mist descending on Toby atm … I get playing hard but the bloke is an all-time grub.' There were many more, but we think you get the idea. Many also suggested Greene was heading for yet another stint on the sidelines. @ARJ7X tweeted: 'Toby might be having a holiday after that.' @straightrocket added simply: 'Bye Toby.' It remains to be seen if the former All Australian captain will indeed face another suspension. But at a time when his club is fighting for a shot at a first premiership, he could be giving coach Adam Kingsley the type of headache he desperately doesn't need. Apart from Greene's first-half moment of madness, the Giants flexed their premiership aspirations in a sensational turnaround that leaves them knocking on the door of the top four and the Swans planning for 2026.

Snoop Dogg in bombshell AFL Grand Final headline act rumour
Snoop Dogg in bombshell AFL Grand Final headline act rumour

News.com.au

time15 hours ago

  • News.com.au

Snoop Dogg in bombshell AFL Grand Final headline act rumour

The AFL could be getting set to Drop It Like It's Hot for the upcoming 2025 Grand Final at the MCG in September. American rap superstar Snoop Dogg has reportedly been locked in as the headline act for the final game of the season. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1. The rumour mill was sent into overdrive by 3AW host Ross Stevenson who spruiked that the 53-year-old could be the man to light up the stadium on September 27. Stevenson noted that Snoop Dogg is set to perform in the Philippines just two days before the Grand Final, meaning the travel to Australia wouldn't be a worry. 'It has been suggested to me that the grand final entertainment this year will be Snoop Dogg,' Stevenson said. 'You know who you can see in the Philippines on September 25? Snoop Dogg. 'I said to Damien Barrett about the rumour about Snoop Dogg being the Grand Final entertainment. He goes 'he might need someone else with him...'. 'Do you know who he's with in the Philippines two days before the Grand Final?' Co-host Russel Howcroft responded: 'Dr Dre?' Stevenson added: 'Dr Dre is correct! Does that get the job done, Damien?' Howcroft said the AFL had taken full control of who headlines the Grand Final entertainment, instead of using an outside company to do the job. 'I don't know whether this is rumour or flesh on the bones or just adding to the story, but I believe what's happening this year is that the AFL is taking full control of who is the entertainment at the grand final,' Howcroft said on 3AW. 'They used to let's say outsource it. There was a third party involved; that third party is no longer involved, (now) it's all in-house.' The AFL have yet to confirm who the headline act will be for this year's Grand Final, but that isn't slowing the rumour mill down. A potential Snoop Dogg appearance would follow in the footsteps of American popstar Katy Perry who took centre stage in 2024. Prior to that it was rock legends Kiss in 2023 and Robbie Williams who ignited the crowd in 2022. If the rumours come to fruition, expect more than just Snoop Dogg to be on the stage with the rapper performing alongside Dr Dre during the Paris Olympics closing ceremony last year and during the 2022 Super Bowl halftime show he appeared with Dr Dre, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar.

The Demons will appeal the Steven May ban that has left players confused
The Demons will appeal the Steven May ban that has left players confused

News.com.au

timea day ago

  • News.com.au

The Demons will appeal the Steven May ban that has left players confused

AFL players have already begun to 'hesitate slightly', knowing the 'margins' between a fair contest and a lengthy ban are slim as the impact of a three-match suspension handed to Melbourne defender Steven May reverberates through the game. The Demons on Thursday confirmed they would appeal the ban, adamant May's 'sole intention was to win the ball'. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1. Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge weighed in, saying he didn't agree with the suspension, but was adamant talk of it changing the fabric of the game was misplaced. May was suspended despite the AFL tribunal conceding his collision with Carlton's Francis Evans last Saturday night was not a bump. In the final minutes of his defence, May's legal counsel Adrian Anderson declared 'there was not much more he could do', but after more than 90 minutes of deliberation, the three-man tribunal panel determined he should have slowed down or changed his path to avoid Evans. Debate has raged since the incident, with some pundits adamant the game could no longer allow players to charge headlong towards opponents, whether the ball was in play or not. That's the grounds on which Melbourne will appeal with a hearing next week. 'We felt we presented a really strong case and Steven's sole intention was to win the ball, and we believe he provided a contest in a reasonable way given the circumstances.' Melbourne football boss, Alan Richardson said. 'After reviewing the outcome and seeking further expert legal advice this morning, we have decided to appeal the Tribunal's decision.' Evans, who lost a tooth and was left bloodied and bruised, conceded to the tribunal that he didn't think he was going to get to the ball before May, adding to the confusion over the ban. Essendon vice-captain Andy McGrath conceded the incident was a 'tricky' one for the tribunal but said over the course of his career his on-field attitude had changed, and he now asked himself questions despite the 'split second' nature of making calls. 'They are split-second decisions, there are so many in game, and the longer I play – this is my ninth season – those split-second contests have changed a lot,' he said. 'If you are second to the ball, you have a big responsibility to not make contact with your opponent's head. 'It definitely comes through your mind, whether that causes us to hesitate slightly, I am questioning that more and more in the game to protect the opposition player's head.' Beveridge said talk of the May ban setting any sort of 'precedent' was unfounded and it purely determined that the outcome of this collision was a suspension. 'One of the things that has never happened in our tribunal system is there's never really been any precedent established, so I don't think anyone should be talking about precedents and how it affects the game into the future,' he said. 'Each one on their own terms is assessed. 'Do I agree with it? Probably not. When there is eyes for the ball and for all intents and purposes the players are trying to win the ball … that's where the debate rages.' Carlton captain and Brownlow medallist Patrick Cripps said he wasn't sure what May could have done and McGrath agreed. 'It didn't look great but it's really hard to pull out of that contest at the last second,' he told SEN. 'As players, it's pretty tricky to know what penalty lies based on the act and we know that's margins between a fair play and a pretty significant sanction.' Prior to their announcement, Demons great Garry Lyon believed the club would appeal. Lyon did not agree with the AFL tribunal's argument that May 'had sufficient time with an unimpeded view of what was before him to determine what he could and should do in the likely event that he did not reach the ball either first or at the same time'. 'That's nonsense, which is why I've lost a bit of faith in this and why I think they'll appeal,' Lyon told SEN Breakfast. 'No-one could reasonably think that they weren't going to get to that football. (Evans) thought Steven May was going to get there first.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store