### Nathan Cleary Named Best Rugby Player of the Year After Defeating Two Major Contenders
In a season that captivated rugby fans across Australia and the globe, Nathan Cleary has been named the Best Rugby Player of the Year, cementing his status as one of the sport’s brightest stars. The Penrith Panthers halfback’s outstanding performances throughout the 2024 season helped him stand out in a competitive field, where he fended off two formidable contenders to claim the prestigious honor.
Cleary’s achievement is not just a testament to his individual brilliance but also to his unwavering leadership and consistency at the highest level. The season was filled with dramatic moments, thrilling matchups, and fierce competition, but it was Cleary’s combination of skill, mental fortitude, and clutch performances that ultimately propelled him to the top of the rugby world. His victory also highlights the continued dominance of the Penrith Panthers, a team that has now established itself as the benchmark in Australian rugby.
#### Nathan Cleary: The Heartbeat of the Panthers
Nathan Cleary’s rise to the top of rugby has been nothing short of meteoric. As the son of former rugby league star Ivan Cleary, Nathan was always seen as a player with potential, but he has far surpassed any expectations. His ability to control a game from halfback, coupled with his exceptional kicking game, defensive solidity, and creativity in attack, has made him one of the most complete players in the NRL.
In 2024, Cleary was once again the heartbeat of the Penrith Panthers. As the team’s primary playmaker, his influence on both sides of the ball was undeniable. Whether guiding his team around the field with near-telepathic precision or stepping up with clutch field goals and try assists, Cleary’s influence was pervasive. His performances were a blend of high IQ rugby, technical brilliance, and an unrelenting will to win, making him not only the standout player for Penrith but also the most outstanding player in the league.
Cleary’s ability to shine under pressure has become a hallmark of his career. Whether it’s a do-or-die playoff match or a tight regular-season encounter, the 26-year-old consistently rises to the occasion. His role as the Panthers’ leader was on full display in 2024, where he played a crucial part in guiding the team to yet another NRL Finals appearance, further solidifying his status as one of the most reliable and consistent players in the league.
#### The Competition: Two Major Contenders
Though Cleary’s performances throughout the season were exceptional, two other players were considered serious contenders for the Best Rugby Player of the Year award. These players—each with their unique set of skills and achievements—posed significant challenges to Cleary’s claim to the title.
The first major contender was **James Tedesco**, the New South Wales Blues captain and Sydney Roosters fullback. Tedesco, who has been one of the NRL’s premier players for the past decade, was in vintage form in 2024. Known for his incredible work rate, speed, and ability to break tackles, Tedesco was a constant menace in attack, regularly producing game-changing moments for the Roosters. His leadership, both for the Roosters and the Blues, was also crucial in maintaining his reputation as one of the most influential players in the competition.
Tedesco’s ability to turn a game on its head with his running game, combined with his high level of football intelligence, made him one of the top players to watch in 2024. His performances helped lead the Roosters to a strong finish in the regular season, and his ability to step up in big moments put him in contention for the top honor.
The second major contender was **Ryan Papenhuyzen**, the electrifying fullback for the Melbourne Storm. Papenhuyzen’s blistering speed, evasive skills, and attacking flair made him one of the most dangerous players in the NRL. In 2024, he continued to be a game-breaker, constantly threatening the opposition’s defense with his footwork, vision, and blistering acceleration.
Despite his relatively small stature, Papenhuyzen’s presence on the field is enormous. His ability to find space and create try-scoring opportunities out of nothing was on full display throughout the season. With a series of incredible individual performances and vital tries, Papenhuyzen was a key player in Melbourne’s charge towards the top of the NRL standings, and many believed he could be the one to dethrone Cleary for the Best Rugby Player of the Year award.
#### Cleary’s Clutch Performances
While Tedesco and Papenhuyzen each had impressive campaigns in 2024, it was Nathan Cleary’s consistency and clutch performances that separated him from the pack. Over the course of the season, Cleary was involved in some of the most pivotal moments in the NRL.
One of the defining moments came during a high-stakes game against the Melbourne Storm in the regular season. With the Panthers trailing late in the match, Cleary stepped up with a pinpoint kick to the corner that allowed his winger to score a crucial try, giving the Panthers the lead and securing a vital win. His composure in those final minutes, combined with his incredible skill, showcased the full extent of his game management abilities.
In the finals series, Cleary’s leadership was again on display. In a dramatic elimination final against the Sydney Roosters, Cleary helped guide the Panthers to a thrilling victory with a masterful display of playmaking. His passing was crisp, his kicks were well-timed, and his general organization of the attack was second to none. Even when the game seemed to slip away, Cleary’s calm demeanor under pressure helped steady the ship, proving his worth not just as a player, but as a true leader.
Perhaps Cleary’s most defining moment of the year came in the Grand Final. With the game tied late in the second half, Cleary slotted a match-winning field goal that sealed the Panthers’ victory. His ability to perform under immense pressure, in a high-stakes environment, was the icing on the cake for his incredible season.
#### Tedesco and Papenhuyzen: Close, But Not Enough
James Tedesco and Ryan Papenhuyzen each had standout moments in 2024, but ultimately, they were unable to match Cleary’s level of consistency over the course of the season. Tedesco’s performances were sensational, and he remained a key figure for both the Sydney Roosters and New South Wales, but his team’s inability to go all the way in the finals, combined with the brilliance of Cleary in key moments, made it difficult for Tedesco to claim the title.
Similarly, while Ryan Papenhuyzen dazzled with his attacking brilliance, the Melbourne Storm’s slightly more inconsistent season prevented him from overtaking Cleary in the Player of the Year race. While his skill and flair were undeniable, Cleary’s all-around game management, leadership, and ability to control the tempo of a match gave him the edge.
#### Conclusion
Nathan Cleary’s triumph as the Best Rugby Player of the Year is a culmination of years of hard work, skill development, and leadership. While James Tedesco and Ryan Papenhuyzen put up fierce competition, it was Cleary’s consistent excellence, especially in high-pressure moments, that made him the standout player of 2024.
Cleary’s victory is not only a testament to his individual brilliance but also to the strength of the Penrith Panthers, a team that continues to dominate the NRL thanks to the leadership of their star halfback. As Cleary’s legacy continues to grow, it’s clear that he is not just one of the best players of his generation, but one of the greatest the game has ever seen.
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