'Bit of a burden': Nathan Cleary admits 'subconscious' issue could be plaguing Panthers
Nathan Cleary is adamant the Panthers aren't at "panic stations" just yet, but concedes the "burden" of chasing a fifth-straight premiership hasn't gone away.
Penrith started their latest title defence with a gritty Las Vegas win against the Sharks, but have yet to win a game since, falling to the Roosters, Storm and Rabbitohs.
Last weekend, the club's superstar halfback was absent in the disappointing loss to South Sydney due to concussion, but is fit and firing for a round five return.
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Nathan Cleary leaves the field in round three. Getty
"That's probably the weird thing about it," Cleary said on Wednesday.
"You feel like you can play, but obviously it's your brain and you only get one of them and it's no surprise that the NRL have these things in place
"A lot smarter people came up with these protocols."
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Cleary's return will be a major boost as the Panthers square off against the Cowboys on Friday night, but the two-time Clive Churchill Medal winner can't do it alone.
While there's still a long way to go, the 27-year-old admitted the weight of expectation on the side could be a factor in the recent string of results.
"I think subconsciously it could be there," Cleary said.
"As much as we talk about moving forward and wanting to get better - sometimes you think about the past. It can become a bit of a burden sometimes, to always live up to that expectation ... but everyone's heads are in the right places.
"It's only early in the season. It's definitely not panic stations.
"I'm looking forward to knuckling down and improving our performances."
This weekend will mark the 250th first grade appearance for Cleary's long-term partner in crime and co-captain Isaah Yeo.
Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo of the Panthers. Getty
The halfback paid tribute to his Penrith, NSW and Kangaroos teammate when asked where he sits among the game's modern-day greats.
"At the very top," Cleary said.
"He's the king of our team, everyone looks up to him and I look up to him myself - he's like a dad figure for all of us. He's just an amazing person and amazing ambassador for what we're about, he's the heart and soul.
"Whenever something goes wrong we are looking at him and he's always there."
