Nathan Cleary wins second RLPA Players' Champion award

Penrith Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary has been awarded the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) Players' Champion award for the second time in his career. The accolade recognises the player deemed the most outstanding performer throughout the season as voted by their peers.

Following the announcement of his win, the Penrith Panthers organisation held a lighthearted celebration to mark the achievement. During the team gathering, Cleary was presented with a deodorant can as a symbolic gesture from his teammates and club staff.

This award adds to Cleary’s growing list of professional honours within the National Rugby League. The RLPA Players' Champion award is considered one of the most prestigious individual titles in the sport, as it is determined exclusively by the votes of fellow professional players.

The recognition comes amid a period of continued success for the Penrith halfback, who has remained a central figure in his club's recent campaigns. The presentation of the deodorant can served as a brief moment of levity for the squad following the formal confirmation of his second league-wide title.