Nathan Cleary at the Panthers is a legitimate blue-chip prospect. He’s already won an Origin series in his first attempt with NSW, he took his Penrith team to the finals last season, the best judges in rugby league love his in-game demeanour and wits, plus he’s playing alongside proven winner Maloney. His new Panthers contract elevated him into an elite earning bracket and he’s got his dad, coach Ivan Cleary, steering him into a promising season. Penrith can only hope the sex tape scandal won’t render all their best-laid plans and the quality of their young No.7 meaningless in 2019.
