LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken

Zen master Cleary poised for Walsh showdown

Nathan Cleary's teammates at Penrith openly acknowledge that they are often captivated by the skill of their halfback as he gears up to face off against Brisbane's Reece Walsh.

Cleary, regarded as the best No.7 in the league, delivered an outstanding performance last weekend, effectively dismantling the Bulldogs and steering his team into a sixth consecutive preliminary final.

This weekend, the stakes get higher as the Panthers head north to compete against Walsh and the Broncos at a sold-out Suncorp Stadium.

This matchup showcases two of the sport's top players, with Cleary being a four-time premiership champion and Walsh riding high after leading a remarkable comeback against the Raiders in the first week of the finals.

Cleary has consistently proven himself on significant occasions, and teammate Scott Sorensen expressed admiration for watching their captain execute plays that are beyond the imagination of most athletes.

While Cleary dedicates himself to rigorous personal preparation, he also devotes significant effort to elevate the performance of those around him.