LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Nathan Cleary found himself in a sticky situation during a post-game interview after the Panthers ended their losing streak against the Eels.
The reigning premiers managed to snag a crucial win at Penrith's BlueBet Stadium, leading to Cleary being grilled about his girlfriend Mary Fowler by an NRL legend out of the blue.
The 26-year-old star, who has three premiership wins under his belt, was put on the spot by host James Bracey about the Panthers' chances of clinching another title in 2024.
Cleary confidently replied that the team's past successes are just memories now, and it's all about starting fresh and staying ahead of the competition.
In typical sporting fashion, Cleary emphasized the importance of maintaining a winning mentality and not resting on past accomplishments.
With every team vying to outperform each other, Cleary knows that the Panthers will need to step up their game to secure another victory in the competitive NRL landscape.
Overall, Cleary handled the unexpected question with poise and demonstrated why he is considered one of the brightest talents in the league.
His focus on the present and determination to succeed bode well for the Panthers as they continue their pursuit of rugby league glory.