While not named in the starting side, Nathan Cleary is expected to make his NRL debut Saturday night against the Storm.
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Still just 18 and locked in to the Panthers until 2019, Cleary is expected to start in the halves against the Storm, with Tyrone Peachey most likely to shift to the centres.
Speaking on Triple M NRL, Penrith legend Ryan Girdler reckons Cleary is worth the hype.
“The Panthers are that far ahead in the under 20s they should call off the competition and he’s (Cleary) the main reason.
“He’s been there for a couple of years and he’s the first halfback chosen at representative level in his age group as well.
“He’s very composed, much like his dad; really solid kicking game, good defensive player, just an absolute footy player and big sort of kid – he’s up around 90kg.
Good luck tonight @_nathancleary. Congratulations on a well deserved NRL debut. #PantherPride #NRLStormPanthers
— Dazza_20 (@Dazza_20) June 4, 2016
With Peter Wallace now a hooker and Jamie Soward nearing the end of his career, Cleary is one of a fresh batch of talent coming through the ranks at the foot of the mountains, with expected halves partner Te Maire Martin already carving up the NRL before his injury.
It is 23yrs and 11 months to the day since Ivan Cleary made his 1st grade debut. Good luck to son Nathan tonight.
— Andrew Voss (@AndrewVossy) June 4, 2016
