Nov 14, 1997
Scorpio
Sydney, Australia
27 years old
N/A
N/A
Rugby Player
Nathan Cleary: The Architect of Modern Rugby League
Early Life and Background
Nathan Cleary was born on November 14, 1997, in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. He is the son of Ivan Cleary, a former professional rugby league player and current head coach of the Penrith Panthers, and the nephew of former rugby league players Jason Death and Josh Stuart. During his childhood, Nathan spent several years in Auckland, New Zealand, where his father played for and later coached the New Zealand Warriors. While in Auckland, he attended Sacred Heart College and played junior rugby league for the Mount Albert Lions. Upon returning to Australia, he completed his Higher School Certificate at St Dominic's College in Penrith, where he served as a prefect. Nathan is of Croatian and Ukrainian descent, with his maternal grandparents having Ukrainian heritage.
Rise Through the Ranks
Cleary's rugby league journey began in the Penrith Panthers' junior development system, progressing through the Harold Matthews Cup (under-16) and S.G. Ball Cup (under-18) teams. In 2015, he captained the S.G. Ball Cup team and was selected for the Australian Schoolboys, leading them in a two-match series against New Zealand under-18s. He made his National Youth Competition (NYC) debut mid-season and, in 2016, was promoted to the Panthers' NRL squad. Cleary made his NRL debut on June 4, 2016, against the Melbourne Storm, and by the end of the season, he was the team's leading point-scorer with 116 points.
Professional Career and Achievements
Since his debut, Cleary has established himself as one of the premier halfbacks in the National Rugby League (NRL). As of April 2025, he has made 178 appearances for the Penrith Panthers, scoring 61 tries, kicking 660 goals, and accumulating 1,583 points, making him the club's all-time leading point-scorer.
Cleary's accolades include:
NRL Premierships: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Clive Churchill Medal (Grand Final Man of the Match): 2021, 2023
Dally M Halfback of the Year: 2020, 2021
RLPA Players' Champion: 2020
Brad Fittler Medal (NSW Player of the Year): 2020
In the 2023 NRL Grand Final, Cleary delivered a remarkable performance, leading the Panthers to a 26-24 victory over the Brisbane Broncos. Despite suffering a grade 3 torn posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) early in the match, he orchestrated a comeback from a 16-point deficit, contributing to all three of the team's late tries and scoring the match-winning try himself.
Representative Career
Cleary has been a mainstay in representative rugby league, playing for:
New South Wales State of Origin team: Debuted in 2018, with series victories in 2018, 2019, and 2021
Australia national team (Kangaroos): Debuted in 2022, contributing to Australia's 2021 Rugby League World Cup victory
His performances at the international level have solidified his reputation as one of the game's elite playmakers.
Personal Life and Off-Field Endeavors
Off the field, Cleary is known for his humility and dedication to the sport. In 2022, he became a co-owner of Drink West Brewery alongside UFC fighters Tyson Pedro and Tai Tuivasa. He has also been vocal in supporting social causes, including advocating for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament in Australia and expressing solidarity with Ukraine, reflecting his Ukrainian heritage.
In his personal life, Cleary began dating Australian soccer star Mary Fowler in August 2023, with the couple making their relationship public in January 2024.
Legacy and Impact
At just 27 years old, Nathan Cleary has already etched his name into rugby league history. His combination of skill, leadership, and resilience has not only brought success to the Penrith Panthers but has also inspired a new generation of players. As he continues his career, Cleary remains focused on achieving further success and leaving a lasting legacy in the sport he loves.
