**Nathan Cleary Reflects on Penrith Panthers’ Dominant 48-12 Win Over Newcastle Knights in Soaking Conditions**
Nathan Cleary joined ABC Sport after the game to assess the Penrith Panthers’ commanding 48-12 victory over the Newcastle Knights in challenging wet conditions. The win was particularly impressive given the absence of co-captain Isaah Yeo, a player whose influence on the team is immeasurable.
“This is probably the first game Isaah Yeo has missed through injury in a few years. He is so durable, so versatile, and adds so much to our team. Really happy we put in a good performance with him missing,” Cleary told John Gibbs after the match.
The Panthers’ ability to adapt and thrive without one of their key leaders speaks volumes about the depth and resilience within the squad. Yeo, known for his work rate, defensive prowess, and ability to link play between forwards and backs, is often the glue that holds Penrith’s structure together. Yet, despite his absence, the Panthers delivered a clinical performance that left little room for the Knights to mount a serious challenge.
From the opening minutes, it was clear that Penrith had come to play, regardless of the weather. The rain made handling difficult, but the Panthers’ discipline and execution were near-flawless. Cleary, as always, was at the heart of their dominance, controlling the tempo of the game with his precise kicking and sharp decision-making. His combination with Jarome Luai in the halves kept Newcastle guessing, while the forward pack laid a solid platform with relentless carries and aggressive defence.
The Knights, on the other hand, struggled to find any rhythm. Errors crept into their game early, and Penrith capitalised on every opportunity. The Panthers’ ability to turn defence into attack was on full display, with several tries coming from turnovers forced by their relentless line speed. Newcastle’s star players were kept quiet, suffocated by Penrith’s structured defensive system, which has become one of the most feared in the competition.
One of the standout performers for the Panthers was Dylan Edwards, whose work rate from fullback was exceptional. He constantly chimed into the backline, providing an extra attacking option, and his positioning under the high ball in wet conditions was impeccable. Edwards has developed into one of the most reliable fullbacks in the NRL, and his performance against the Knights only reinforced his importance to this Penrith side.
Another positive for the Panthers was the contribution of their younger players. With Yeo out, others were given the chance to step up, and they did so emphatically. Liam Martin was a constant threat on the edge, while Moses Leota and James Fisher-Harris set the tone up front with their physicality. The depth in Penrith’s squad is a luxury most teams can only dream of, and it ensures they remain competitive even when key players are unavailable.
Cleary was quick to praise the collective effort rather than focusing on individual brilliance. “It’s always a team effort for us. We pride ourselves on everyone doing their job, and tonight was a great example of that. The boys really stuck to the process, even when the conditions weren’t ideal,” he said.
The Panthers’ attack was clinical, but it was their defence that truly set them apart. Newcastle managed only two tries, both coming when the game was already beyond reach. Penrith’s ability to scramble and cover for each other was a testament to their fitness and commitment. Even in the wet, where defensive systems can break down, the Panthers remained composed and structured.
For the Knights, it was a night to forget. Coach Adam O’Brien will have plenty to review, particularly their inability to build pressure or complete sets under duress. The absence of key players like Kalyn Ponga was felt, but even so, Newcastle’s performance lacked the intensity required to compete with a side of Penrith’s calibre.
As for the Panthers, the scary reality for the rest of the competition is that they continue to improve week after week. Even without Yeo, they looked like a well-oiled machine, capable of dismantling opponents with ruthless efficiency. Cleary’s leadership was evident throughout, and his ability to elevate those around him is a hallmark of his game.
Looking ahead, Penrith will only grow stronger when Yeo returns, but this performance proved they are far from a one-man team. Their systems are ingrained, their culture is strong, and their hunger for success remains insatiable. If they continue on this trajectory, it’s hard to see any team stopping them from adding another premiership to their recent collection.
For now, Cleary and the Panthers will enjoy the win but quickly shift their focus to the next challenge. As he said post-match, “We’ll celebrate this one, but we know there’s still plenty to work on. The season is a marathon, not a sprint, and we want to be playing our best footy when it matters most.”
If this performance was any indication, the Panthers are well on their way to doing just that.
