Cleary Delivers Knockout Blow as Panthers Edge Bulldogs in Heavyweight Showdown
Sydney, June 26, 2025 — The Penrith Panthers showed why they’re the heavyweights of the NRL on Thursday night, with Nathan Cleary delivering the game’s decisive blow in a thrilling 24–22 victory over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at CommBank Stadium.
In a match that promised intensity, the Panthers and Bulldogs traded blows like true boxing rivals—Cleary’s calm, confident finish, however, drew the final curtain and sealed Penrith’s win in emphatic style.
The Back-and-Forth Battle
The first half saw the Bulldogs burst out strong, racing to a 12–4 lead courtesy of two quick tries through winger Reimis Smith and lock Renouf Atoni. Penrith responded with a smash-and-grab try from middle powerhouse Spencer Leniu and an imaginative line break converted by halves partner Jarome Luai. At halftime, the scores were level at 12–12.
After the restart, both sides came out swinging. Penrith’s Moses Leota crashed home their third try, only for Bulldogs captain Matt Burton to match with a brilliant chip-and-chase score. With the tie at 18–18, Cleary began to assert his authority.
Cleary’s Knockout Strike
In the 70th minute, Penrith launched a sweeping set from 40 metres out. Cleary darted left, drew in two defenders, and sent a pinpoint cut-out pass to star centre Brian To’o, who powered in from ten metres out. Cleary slotted the conversion to put the Panthers 24–18 ahead.
With time running out, the Bulldogs threw everything at Penrith — a late try from forward Luke Thompson narrowed the gap to 24–22, but a calculated Cleary sideline conversion attempt missed narrowly. On the subsequent kickoff, his perfectly weighted kick pinned Canterbury deep, ending the contest.
“Cleary found the perfect finish in a heavyweight contest,” said commentator Andrew Voss. “His composure was lethal — that was the knockout punch.”
Post-Match Fallout
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary praised his son’s impact.
“Nathan has the belief and calm to land the big shots,” Cleary Sr. said. “He showed once again why he’s the best halfback going around.”
For the Bulldogs, it was a brave showing. Coach Des Hasler highlighted his team’s fight.
“We came to win, and credit to the boys for pushing them all the way,” Hasler said. “It was a classic clash — we just came up short at the end.”
Looking Ahead
The win keeps Penrith in top-four contention, with Finals positioning firmly in sight. With Cleary in boxing mode, they’re proving hard to knock out.
The Bulldogs, now 10th, have a tough schedule ahead. They’ll need recovery and consistency to keep finals hopes alive.
Final Bell
In a game full of bruising tackles and stunning counterattacks, it was Nathan Cleary’s precision and leadership that landed the decisive blow. The Panthers leave the ring victorious — and Cleary, once again, the undisputed champion.
