Nathan Cleary Crowned Dally M Player of the Year in Stellar 2025 Season
Penrith Panthers’ Nathan Cleary has been awarded the prestigious Dally M Player of the Year award, cementing his status as one of the club’s most influential players. The star halfback’s outstanding performances throughout the 2025 season have been pivotal to the Panthers’ success.
Cleary, already renowned as one of the best players in the modern era, delivered career-best performances this season, masterfully steering the Panthers from a last-place standing in Round 12 to a preliminary final appearance. His pivotal role in the team’s stunning late-season resurgence has been widely celebrated by fans and analysts alike.
Across 22 games, Cleary showcased his exceptional skills, scoring six tries and assisting on 17 others. His kicking accuracy was also on full display, converting 79 goals with an impressive 87.8% conversion rate. Additionally, he forced 25 drop-outs, further highlighting his impact on the field. Defensively, Cleary averaged 20 tackles per game with an 87.5% tackle efficiency, demonstrating his commitment to both sides of the ball.
Despite facing niggling injury disruptions, Cleary consistently orchestrated perfect plays, leading to numerous match-winning and match-saving moments. His resilience and leadership were particularly evident in critical games, where his strategic decisions and precise execution turned the tide in favor of the Panthers.
A significant milestone in Cleary’s career occurred in Round 7 when he surpassed Ryan Girdler’s record of 1,572 points to become Penrith’s all-time greatest point-scorer. This achievement underscores his enduring contribution to the club and his exceptional talent.
In addition to the Dally M Player of the Year award, Cleary’s performances earned him two other major accolades. He received the prestigious Merv Cartwright Medal for the third time and was named Dally M Halfback of the Year, further solidifying his place among the game’s elite.
Cleary’s list of achievements in 2025 includes:
– 2025 Merv Cartwright Medallist
– 2025 Dally M Halfback of the Year
– Second place on Dally M Medal Leaderboard
– OAK Plus Try of the Year at Merv Cartwright Medal
– Three State of Origin appearances for NSW
– Selected in the Australia squad for the Ashes Tour
– Became the greatest point-scorer in Panthers history
His heroic, match-winning try against the Bulldogs in Round 17 was named the 2025 OAK Plus Try of the Year, adding another highlight to his remarkable season.
