Nathan Cleary’s extraordinary playmaking ability continues to reshape Queensland’s State of Origin prospects, as the Penrith Panthers star delivers performances that captivate fans and challenge defenders alike. This season, Cleary has already created 20 try assists at the club level, with one particular moment standing out for its ingenuity and precision.

During a recent match against the Wests Tigers, Cleary executed an exceptional banana kick using the outside of his right boot to set up winger Brian To’o. The ball bounced perfectly, allowing To’o to score, redeeming an earlier similar attempt that To’o had dropped. This play drew attention not only for its technical difficulty but because it followed a comparable kick against the Sydney Roosters in Round 3, which To’o also mishandled. Cleary later tried the same punt against the Parramatta Eels, although it fell just short of To’o.

Reflecting on the successful kick against the Tigers, Cleary described it as a calculated risk and praised To’o’s efforts in converting the chance. “He had a fair bit to do to score that try, so he did well,” Cleary said. To’o, meanwhile, joked about the necessity of the banana kick due to his height, suggesting that a taller winger might have received a more conventional pass. He commended Cleary’s natural vision and peripheral awareness on the field, which enable him to execute such precise plays. “It’s pretty crazy just imagining all the fans watching, but being able to share the field with him is crazier,” To’o added.

Cleary’s form this season has not only benefited the Panthers but also the New South Wales Blues. As captain Isaah Yeo highlighted, Cleary’s consistent high-level performances have been instrumental in the Blues’ push for a series win. Yeo, a four-time premiership winner alongside Cleary at Penrith, described the halfback’s current form as possibly the best of his career. After being named man of the match in Game One of the State of Origin series, Cleary also led in voting for the Daily Ms award by the halfway mark of the NRL season.

“If you look at the Daily M points, you would probably say this is the best he’s ever played, but I don’t know how you can compare,” Yeo said. “I just feel like he’s playing at the top of his game and is super confident.”

As the season progresses, Cleary’s influence on the field remains a major factor in Penrith’s success and Queensland’s challenge at Origin, with his creativity and composure continuing to draw widespread praise.