NRL grand final hero Nathan Cleary states support for yes vote in voice referendum

Rugby league grand final man-of-the-match Nathan Cleary is leading a renewed push from athletes to support the yes case in the voice referendum in two weeks’ time.

The Penrith Panthers halfback featured in a video message on social media on Sunday evening throwing his support behind the yes campaign.

“No voice, no choice, come on Australia, vote yes,” Cleary said.

The message was reposted on Monday by the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, saying “it’s a yes from @_nathancleary,” linking to Cleary’s dormant X account.

The video originated from the TikTok account from Wiradjuri man Roy Ah-See, former chairperson of the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council.

The pre-recorded footage was posted late on Sunday evening. At the time, Cleary was celebrating his side’s NRL grand final victory over Brisbane.

Ah-See said the video was recorded four weeks ago during an education session for several clubs, facilitated by the Uluru Dialogue and supported by the Rugby League Players Association.

On the day, Cleary asked whether there was anything to do to help the campaign and volunteered to make the video.

“He’s a leader on and off the field,” Ah-See said. “You can tell he’s had a really good ground, in relation to where he comes from with his family. He’s a very respectful young man.”

The 25-year-old is the latest sporting identity to put his name to the yes case, and perhaps the highest-profile current athlete.

Former sports stars who are supporters include Cathy Freeman, Jonathon Thurston, Eddie Betts, Adam Goodes, Michael Long, Michael O’Loughlin, Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Ash Barty.

Retired American basketball star Shaquille O’Neal issued his support while in Australia last year on a trip he also used to help promote betting company PointsBet.

Active players are also rallying behind the cause, including cricketer Alyssa Healy, Sydney AFLW co-captain Chloe Molloy and Fremantle AFL captain Alex Pearce.

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Ah-See said there will be more messages of support from athletes released in coming weeks.

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Cleary’s Panthers teammate Tyrone Peachey featured in a video , shared in September by the Uluru Dialogue.

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On Saturday Albanese posted a photo of former AFL player Betts at the AFL grand final.

In contrast to the growing involvement of athletes, the sporting codes have remained quiet in the weeks leading up to the campaign – despite issuing statements of support for a voice in May.

Betts’ social media post with Albanese was the most prominent yes statement from AFL grand final day, alongside the dress of singer Jess Hitchcock – who has Torres Strait Islander heritage – which was adorned with the word “yes”.

The voice was not raised during the Sunday’s NRL and NRLW grand final double-header, despite the presence of prominent First Nations people at the stadium.

Barada woman Tamika Upton won the Karyn Murphy medal for her player-of-the-match performance in Newcastle’s victory over Gold Coast.

Uluru Statement co-chair Megan Davis is on the Australian Rugby League Commission.