Nathan Cleary clinches second Clive Churchill Medal
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Penrith co-captain Nathan Cleary has produced a stunning performance to clinch the 2023 Clive Churchill Medal, becoming just the third player to win the award on multiple occasions.
Cleary, who scored the match-winning try and landed the match-winning conversion as Penrith roared back from a 16-point deficit – chalking up their third consecutive title courtesy of the biggest comeback in NRL grand final history.
The superstar halfback joins Billy Slater (2009 and 2017) and Bradley Clyde (1991 and 1993) as the only players to win multiple Clive Churchill medals.
Cleary finished the game with 12 points – courtesy of a try and four goals from as many attempts – while also adding a linebreak and a try assist for Moses Leota.
Only fullback Dylan Edwards (26 runs for 296 metres) had more runs than Cleary, whose 21 carries accounted for 162 metres. He also added four tackle breaks, three offloads, 660 kick metres from 21 kicks and 18 tackles.
Match: Panthers v Broncos
Grand Final -
home Team
Panthers
1st Position
away Team
Broncos
2nd Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
"It honestly doesn't feel real right now," Cleary said in accepting the medal.
"I can't wait for it to set in.
"That's the hardest game I've ever played.
"To our boys, it's nothing but love. We worked so hard for this and we're still just getting started."
Cleary wins Churchill Medal
