An Open Letter from Nathan Cleary to Reece Walsh and the Entire Penrith Panthers Community…
I wanted to take a moment to address all of you. As a part of the Penrith Panthers family, I have always felt an immense pride in representing this club, this community, and the values we hold so dear. The dedication, the resilience, and the sense of belonging that permeates every corner of this club are unparalleled, and it’s an honor to be part of something that means so much to so many.
Firstly, Reece, I want to take the opportunity to express my respect for you as a player. We’ve shared the field together, and I’ve seen firsthand your talent and determination. The way you carry yourself, both on and off the field, shows an unwavering commitment to your craft. Your ability to make an impact in every game, your competitive edge, and the way you push the boundaries of your potential is something I admire greatly.
I know the journey to success in this sport is not always linear. We all face our moments of doubt, our moments of challenge, and our moments where things don’t go as planned. But those are the moments that define us, and it’s in those times we discover what we are truly made of. I’ve been there myself. There have been times when things weren’t going my way, when I questioned my decisions, and when the weight of expectation felt almost too heavy. But it was the support of my teammates, the strength of the Panthers community, and the belief in the system that got me through.
To you, Reece, and to every member of the Panthers family, I say this: You are not alone. This club is built on a foundation of unity and support. Every player, every coach, every fan—each person who wears the Panthers emblem—is an integral part of what makes this team so special. No one is ever left to fight alone. We rise together, we fall together, and we learn together. This is the beauty of our bond; this is the power of being part of the Panthers family.
To the fans who support us unconditionally, your loyalty and passion for the club are unmatched. It is you who give us the drive to push through even when the challenges seem insurmountable. We play for you, and every victory we achieve is a reflection of the support and love we receive from the stands. Your belief in us drives us to be better every single day.
Reece, I know that stepping into the role you have at the Broncos must come with its own unique set of pressures. But I want you to know that this journey you’re on is one we’ve all been on in some way, shape, or form. Every high and every low is a part of what shapes you into the player—and the person—you will become.
I want you to keep your head up, no matter the result, no matter the noise from outside the club. The path isn’t always straight, and sometimes, we face setbacks. But it’s in these times where you truly find out what you’re made of. Your talent is undeniable, and your work ethic speaks for itself. Keep your focus, and know that your teammates are here for you, just as they always have been.
To the Penrith Panthers community, I want to thank you for being the heartbeat of this club. Each and every one of you plays a part in our success, from the fans to the coaching staff to the families who support us behind the scenes. The future is bright because we are stronger together. We are united, and nothing can stop us as long as we maintain that unity and fight for each other.
Reece, I look forward to seeing you continue to grow, not just as a player, but as a leader. Your journey is just beginning, and we’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.
Together, Panthers, let’s keep pushing forward, for the future, for each other, and for the pride of this incredible club.
