In what was meant to be a night of celebration and recognition, NRL superstar Nathan Cleary found himself at the center of unexpected internet buzz after unveiling a statue meant to commemorate his recent accolade—but the statue’s awkward resemblance has sparked a whirlwind of reactions.
Cleary, who recently clinched the prestigious Dally M Medal for his outstanding performance throughout the season, was honoured with a life-sized statue outside BlueBet Stadium in Penrith. But as the curtain dropped and the statue was revealed, fans were left speechless—some from admiration, others from pure confusion.
Social media lit up within minutes of the unveiling. The statue, while clearly an attempt to capture Cleary’s iconic on-field stance and confident grin, looked more like a distant cousin than a precise replica of the Panthers’ halfback.
“I’m honoured beyond words, but I’ll admit… it’s definitely got a ‘unique’ take on my face,” Cleary joked, managing a laugh in his post-ceremony interview. “At the end of the day, it’s about what it represents—the journey, the support, and the love for the game.”
Cleary’s humility and good humor did little to stop the flood of memes and jokes across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Reddit. From side-by-side comparisons with cartoon characters to wild theories about who the statue really resembles, fans across the country chimed in.
Renowned rugby league analyst Paul Kent gave his two cents on Fox League, saying, “Look, statues are always going to be tricky. You want them to capture the soul of the player, not just their features. But let’s be honest—this one missed the mark by a fair few meters. That said, Cleary’s reaction shows maturity and grace.”
The statue, commissioned by the local council in collaboration with the NRL, was reportedly sculpted by a celebrated artist who has previously worked on several sports icons. However, the execution in this case seems to have invited more ridicule than reverence.
Coach Ivan Cleary, Nathan’s father, also weighed in during a media chat following the event. “It’s not perfect, sure, but it’s a proud moment for our family. The statue might raise eyebrows, but Nathan’s legacy is what truly stands tall,” he said.
Despite the mockery surrounding the statue, Cleary’s achievements this season remain undeniable. With commanding leadership, precision plays, and an unwavering commitment to his team, the 26-year-old continues to cement his place as one of the most influential players in modern rugby league.
As for the statue? Some are already calling for a redo, while others suggest it should stay as is—a quirky piece of history that symbolizes both triumph and human imperfection.
Looking ahead, Cleary remains focused on his next goal: leading the Panthers to yet another premiership title. “Statue or not,” he said with a grin, “I’m just getting started.”
Leave a Reply