Nathan Cleary has recently called out the practice of players diving to milk penalties, positioning himself as an advocate for cleaner play in the NRL. But with his comments gaining traction, some are now urging Cleary and his team, Penrith Panthers, to put their money where their mouth is.
“If Nathan Cleary really wants to take the moral high ground and be an advocate to stop players diving to milk penalties, perhaps Penrith should lead by example,” said an industry insider. “It’s easy to call for change, but the Panthers should be the first to demonstrate what fair play looks like on the field.”
The call for change comes after growing frustration among fans and analysts alike, who believe that diving and exaggerating contact to win penalties has become a blight on the game. Penrith, known for their strong performances and high standards under Cleary, could set a new benchmark for ethical play by tackling this issue head-on.
While Cleary’s leadership on and off the field has been widely praised, this latest challenge could test his resolve in fostering a more honorable brand of rugby league. As one commentator put it, “If Cleary is serious about ending diving, he needs to ensure that it’s not happening within his own team.”
With the spotlight now on the Panthers, the pressure is mounting for them to step up as role models in the fight against unsportsmanlike conduct, and many fans are watching closely to see if they will lead the charge.
