The Penrith Panthers and NSW Blues star Nathan Cleary is putting family first after some wonderful news—his partner, Taylan May, is expecting their first child together. The couple, who have kept their relationship relatively private, shared the joyous announcement with close friends and family before the news began circulating in the media. For Cleary, one of rugby league’s most disciplined and focused players, this new chapter marks a significant shift in priorities as he prepares to balance fatherhood with his illustrious career.
Cleary, 26, has been a cornerstone of the Penrith Panthers’ dominance in the NRL, leading the team to three consecutive Grand Finals from 2020 to 2022, with victories in 2021 and 2022. His performances have also made him a mainstay in the NSW Blues squad, where he has been instrumental in State of Origin battles. Despite the relentless demands of professional rugby league, those close to Cleary say he has always valued family above all else. His father, Ivan Cleary, the current Panthers coach, has been a guiding force in his life, both on and off the field. Now, with a child on the way, Nathan is embracing the next phase of his life with the same dedication he brings to the game.
Taylan May, 22, is no stranger to the NRL world herself. She is the sister of Panthers wielder Taylan May, who has also made a name for himself in the league. The couple’s relationship has been low-key, with few public appearances, but insiders say they have been a strong support system for each other. The pregnancy news has brought immense joy to both families, with Ivan Cleary reportedly thrilled at the prospect of becoming a grandfather.
For Nathan, the timing of this news comes as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury that sidelined him during the early part of the 2024 season. While injuries are an inevitable part of an athlete’s career, Cleary has used the downtime to reflect on his future beyond football. In recent interviews, he has spoken about the importance of life balance and how his perspective has evolved over the years.
“Football has always been my passion, but there’s more to life than the game,” Cleary said in a recent chat with *The Daily Telegraph*. “I’ve been lucky to have an amazing family around me, and now that I’m starting my own, it puts everything into perspective. I want to be present, not just as a player but as a dad and partner.”
The Panthers organization has been fully supportive of Cleary’s new journey. Teammates, including close friend and co-captain Isaah Yeo, have joked about the star halfback entering the “dad club” within the squad. Yeo, who became a father in 2023, has been offering advice to Cleary about the challenges and joys of parenthood.
“It’s a whole new world,” Yeo said. “But if anyone can handle the lack of sleep and still perform on the field, it’s Nath. He’s the most disciplined guy I know.”
As Cleary prepares for this life-changing event, fans have been speculating about how fatherhood might influence his playing style. Some of the game’s greatest players, including Johnathan Thurston and Cameron Smith, have spoken about how becoming a father added a new layer of motivation to their careers. Cleary, known for his meticulous preparation and calm demeanor, is expected to approach fatherhood with the same level of commitment.
Off the field, Cleary has been expanding his interests, including ventures in property and philanthropy. Alongside his brother, Jett Cleary, who is also making waves in rugby league, Nathan has been involved in community initiatives, particularly those supporting youth mental health—a cause close to his heart. With a child on the way, his off-field legacy is becoming just as important as his on-field achievements.
The NRL community has rallied around the couple, with messages of congratulations flooding social media. Panthers CEO Matt Cameron released a statement expressing the club’s excitement for Cleary and May. “Nathan is not just an incredible player but an outstanding person. We’re thrilled for him and Taylan as they embark on this beautiful journey together,” Cameron said.
While Cleary’s focus remains on returning to peak fitness and helping the Panthers chase another premiership, there’s no doubt that his priorities have expanded. The arrival of his first child will undoubtedly be the biggest game-changer of his life—one that no amount of training could fully prepare him for. Yet, if his career is anything to go by, Nathan Cleary will tackle fatherhood with the same resilience, dedication, and heart that have made him one of rugby league’s finest.
As the 2024 season progresses, all eyes will be on Cleary—not just for his performances on the field, but for how he navigates this new role. For a player who has spent years mastering the art of control under pressure, the unpredictable adventure of parenthood might just be his greatest challenge yet. And if history is any indication, he’ll handle it with the same grace that has defined his career.
For now, the Panthers and Blues star is savoring the moments leading up to his child’s birth, knowing that while football has given him so much, family will always come first.
