NRL 2023: Penrith Panthers, Nathan Cleary, 40-metre field goal, Grand Final rematch, Mitchell Moses, Parramatta Eels, news, Matty Johns, reaction
Nathan Cleary #NathanCleary
Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary delivered the “greatest clutch play” in the history of rugby league in his side’s grand final rematch loss against the Eels.
That is according to rugby league legend Matty Johns who believes Cleary’s 40-metre field goal was an “act of god”.
The 25-year-old halfback was able to bring the scores level and force golden point with the stunning effort as the scores sat 16-14 with seconds on the clock.
Watch every game of every round of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Eels prop Junior Paulo handed the Panthers a penalty and was sent off for a high shot on Zac Hosking before Cleary placed his touch-finding kick on the 40-metre line before nailing to clutch kick.
Ultimately, Penrith went down 17-16 after Mitchell Moses responded with a field goal of his own, but that didn’t stop Johns from praising Cleary’s effort.
“How demoralising (for the Eels), down to twelve men, we had Junior Paulo who was sent to the sin bin, twelve,” Johns said on Fox League’s The Late Show.
“Nathan Cleary, that is just about the greatest clutch play I’ve ever seen in rugby league.”
Parramatta legend Nathan Hindmarsh even revealed Eels fans couldn’t help but applaud the stunning effort.
The forward who played 330 games in the blue and gold had grave fears for his beloved Eels after the field goal but praised the side for bouncing back.
“You even saw the Parra fans clapping, that’s how good it was, it was an extraordinary effort,” Hindmarsh said.
MORE NRL NEWS
CODE SWITCH: RA in talks with Suaalii in bid to lure teen star on HUGE deal
JIMMY BRINGS: Roosters refuse to dance to agent’s tune; is Des Dragons bound?
MONDAY SPRAYS: Why Wayne’s Dolphins are finals bound if they beat Broncos
‘HE HASN’T WON ANYTHING’: NRL great drops $1.4m truth bomb on Moses
Bellamy: Munster still a chance to play | 03:41
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
“When this kick went over, credit to Parramatta because I was worried that they were going to get deflated and not turn up in that extra time bit.
“Especially with one man down… well done to the boys.”
“You imagine you are 0-3, you have got the game won and almost like an act of god that happens, you know yourself how demoralising that would be,” Johna added.
Fox league’s Gorden Tallis also praised Moses’ cool head during golden point, handing his side their first win of the season.
The league legend called upon the gun halfback to deliver after he reportedly signed a mammoth four-year extension.
And he stood tall, icing the game when it mattered most in a grand final rematch.
“We saw how cool he was, but that’s just great composure,” Tallis said.
“They deserve it, they have had a tough month.”
The rugby league world was left stunned by the crazy finish to the grand final rematch, praising both Cleary and Moses.