Nathan Cleary scores 'identical' 2023 grand final try as Broncos carved up at Magic Round
Nathan Cleary has wound back the clock with an insane performance against the Broncos, including a try that mirrored his effort in the 2023 grand final.
The halfback produced a masterclass at Magic Round, in a performance described as "10 out of 10" by Andrew Johns on Nine's coverage.
Despite his brilliant performance, it wasn't the best start for Cleary after he was outjumped by Ben Hunt who scored first.
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Nathan Cleary of the Panthers celebrates after scoring a try during the round nine NRL match. Getty
From there though it was all the Panthers.
Cleary hit back moments later with a chip kick to Izack Tago who scored.
Both sides shared penalty goals before Cleary put his mark on the match with a 40/20 in the 36th minute.
A try to Luron Patea followed that moment to put the Panthers back in the lead.
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Then just before half time, Cleary went back two years.
The halfback took the ball at first receiver on the left with five Brisbane defenders all sliding before Cleary stepped inside and went past Adam Reynolds to score.
It mirrored the 2023 grand final effort when Cleary scored the match-winner by stepping inside and passing Reynolds on that occasion too.
"That's grand final like, that was the last try of the grand final," Andrew Johns said of the Magic Round try.
Billy Slater added: "That's identical".
After the break, Penrith's lead extended through Thomas Jenkins who scored a double to make it 32-8.
As Cleary lined up his conversion, Johns was full of praise.
"He's been a 10 out of 10 today," the league Immortal said.
"That early kick then he went down and smashed Cobbo, this could really be turning point in the Panthers season. He has just dragged them along."
Phil Gould was also happy to see the champions back at their best.
No further points came for either side as the question now sits whether the defending premiers are officially back.
Next week the Broncos play Wayne Bennett's Rabbitohs while the Panthers are up against North Queensland.
