Nathan Cleary Delivers Ice-Cold Field Goal in Penrith's Nail-Biting Victory
In a heart-stopping NRL clash at Darwin's TIO Stadium, Nathan Cleary once again proved his clutch prowess, landing an 85th-minute field goal to clinch a thrilling 23-22 golden-point win for the Penrith Panthers over the gallant Dolphins. The match, played in oppressive heat, saw the Panthers overcome a second-half deficit and a serious injury to hooker Mitch Kenny, who was taken to hospital with a suspected broken leg after a hip-drop tackle by Dolphins five-eighth Kodi Nikorima, resulting in a sin-bin.
Dolphins' Stunning Comeback Falls Short
The Dolphins, trailing 18-0 at halftime, mounted a remarkable resurgence in the second half, scoring four tries in just 15 minutes to seize a 22-18 lead. Inspired by centre Herbie Farnworth, who executed two crucial one-on-one ball steals and scored an athletic try, the Dolphins turned the game on its head. Fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow added a trademark long-range effort, while winger Selwyn Cobbo and centre Jake Averillo also crossed the line, showcasing improved defence compared to their previous heavy loss to Manly.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary praised his team's character, stating, "In a long season you win different ways, but that one was pretty special. At 22-18 down, we had everything against us. They were playing well, and we had one crack down their end and scored. It says a fair bit about the team and their character that we somehow find a way to win." Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf expressed pride in his side's effort, saying, "I just loved the way we came out in the second half and backed ourselves. It is hard to take. It hurts when you walk away and don't get what you feel you deserved."
Key Performances and Milestones
Penrith winger Thomas Jenkins made history by becoming the first player in premiership history to score try doubles in seven consecutive games, taking his season tally to 16 tries. His second try in the 76th minute levelled the scores at 22-22, though Nathan Cleary missed the sideline conversion. The Panthers dominated the first half with stars like Cleary, Dylan Edwards, and Isaah Yeo leading the charge, resulting in early tries from Edwards and halves partner Blaize Talagi, who also set up Jenkins' first-half try with a pinpoint bomb.
In the dying moments, Dolphins half Isaiya Katoa missed a long-range field-goal attempt, but Cleary capitalized on his opportunity from right in front, echoing his 2024 golden-point heroics against the same opponent. NRL fans and commentators alike hailed Cleary's ice-cold composure, with one fan on X exclaiming, "NATHAN CLEARY ICE MANNNNNNN," and another noting, "Death, taxes and Nathan Cleary clutching up." NRL great Cooper Cronk added in commentary, "Give him the Dally M already."
The match highlighted the Panthers' resilience and the Dolphins' fighting spirit, setting the stage for an intense NRL season ahead as both teams continue to push for supremacy.
