An emotional Nathan Cleary says he’d have no hesitation throwing the same cut-out ball that helped seal Penrith’s NRL grand final fate if he had his time over.
Cleary took Penrith’s 26-20 grand final loss to Melbourne as hard as anyone, admitting after the match he felt like he’d let his team down.
The 22-year-old still appeared to be fighting back tears two hours after the match, admitting several plays were running on loop in his head.
But one he wouldn’t change is the long cut-out ball he threw on attack in the 30th minute, only for Suliasi Vunivalu to gather it, run 85 metres and score.
Had it landed in Stephen Crichton’s hands it likely would have been 10-6, instead Penrith found themselves down 16-0 and out of the match before the late comeback.
“If I had my time again I would do it again,” Cleary said, adding it wasn’t a sign of panic.
“I’m glad I saw it and went with it, I just didn’t execute it. It’s what you’ve got to do on the big stage.
“I saw Brenko Lee shoot out of the line and that’s why I threw it. I just threw it too high, and Vunivalu did pretty well.
“The intercept was a turning point. I just think I let the boys down a fair bit.”
Melbourne’s wingers have made a knack of claiming intercepts this year, with their seven the most of any wing pairing in the NRL.
That error wasn’t alone though.
Penrith’s 17 was the most they made all year, as their 17-match winning streak came to an end at the worst possible time.
They can however take plenty for 2021 and beyond.
Departing captain James Tamou claimed the club had many “massive” seasons ahead, with the side the second youngest in the competition.
Cameron Smith also offered support post match to Cleary directly, after he and the Storm’s big three were also beaten in their first grand final in 2006 despite dominating the competition.
Since then, Melbourne have gone on to win five deciders and appeared in eight grand finals.
“He was good, he just said ‘I have been there before as well. You’ll come back and bigger and better than ever’,” Cleary said.
“It’s been a big year for all out us, it’s a young group. A lot of experience comes out of this. Tonight as well we learnt a lot of lessons.
“As a group we will let it fuel us and look forward to next year.”
Cleary though must move on quickly.
In nine days’ time he will be NSW’s State of Origin halfback, acting as the senior playmaker for the first time at a representative level.
“I can’t let it sting for too long,” he said.
“I’m lucky enough to be able to play some footy now to try and put it behind me.
“But it will definitely sting for the next few days.”
Source:: SportsNews
