Rugby league icon Andrew Johns has delivered one of the biggest compliments of his career, claiming Penrith Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary has surpassed not only himself but also fellow great Johnathan Thurston — even if you combined the two.
The bold statement came during a recent interview where Johns, widely regarded as one of the greatest players to ever wear the No. 7 jersey, was asked to assess Cleary’s place in rugby league history.
“Nathan’s taken the halfback role to another level,” Johns admitted. “His kicking game is elite, his defence is rock solid, and his leadership on and off the field is outstanding. What he’s doing at his age is beyond anything I achieved, and even if you put me and Thurston together, I think he’s still ahead.”
Cleary’s dominance on the field
Since making his NRL debut in 2016, Cleary has evolved into the complete halfback. He has already led Penrith to multiple premierships, earned State of Origin glory with New South Wales, and collected two Clive Churchill Medals for his grand final heroics.
His ability to control the pace of a game, dictate field position with precision kicking, and deliver under immense pressure has made him a nightmare for opposition teams.
A career still in its prime
At just 27, Cleary’s career achievements already rival the all-time greats. Yet, many believe his best years are still ahead of him, raising the possibility that he could finish as the most decorated halfback in rugby league history.
“It’s scary to think about what he could achieve in the next five or six years,” Johns said. “He’s got the talent, the discipline, and the mental toughness to keep dominating for a long time.”
A debate for the ages
Johns’ comments are sure to ignite debate among fans, with comparisons between generations always a hot topic in rugby league circles. While Johns and Thurston are both Immortals-in-waiting and legends of the modern game, Cleary’s record-breaking trajectory has put him in the conversation for the greatest of all time.
For now, Cleary remains focused on leading Penrith to more success — but with endorsements like this from Andrew Johns, his legacy is already shaping up to be one for the ages.
