2023 saw one of the greatest individual grand final performances of all time from Nathan Cleary, as the star halfback put the team on his back to take out the title.
After looking dead in the water against Brisbane, Cleary put on a brilliant display to steal the title, and earned the Clive Churchill medal for his efforts.
As the Panthers look to win their fourth-straight premiership, one NRL legend has revealed how he would put a lid on the star halfback's theatrics early into the game.
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Cooper Cronk reveals game plan to rattle Panthers star
Nathan Cleary's talents will be key in the Panthers securing a fourth-straight premiership, as they have been over the previous three grand finals.
Speaking on the Matty Johns Podcast, Cooper Cronk said that the way the Storm need to approach Cleary is by rattling him right from the word go.
"Nathan is the king of Penrith, and if you’re going to go into and stop them you need to go after the king directly," Cronk said.
"If I’m the Melbourne Storm, Nathan is at the 40 metre line, just in off the front line, I’m actually going to kick it to Nathan and I want him to take the first carry.
"I would make a statement physically about picking it up, dragging him out, throwing him around, just make him land the ball about 30 metres out.
"A little sand wedge, and he has to get it, and then just everyone takes the handbrake off. I almost take that first contact out of his hands.
"I’d almost give away a penalty if you want to rough him up, if you want to like stay over the top and lay down, whatever.
"Don’t give away 10 in the bin. I’m not saying I break the law. But make a statement.
"Test how fit he is because he’s a spirit of that team, and it’s a strange one to do off the kick off. If I’m Melbourne, I’m choosing to kick off, and I’ll be doing that."
Cleary and the Panthers take on Melbourne this Sunday in the 2024 NRL grand final.
