In a confession that has gripped the rugby league world, the Penrith Panthers champion halfback revealed he has been struggling with a gaming addiction, a habit he says slowly tightened its grip on him during injury recoveries and long nights spent alone. What began as a harmless distraction quietly became an emotional escape, leaving Cleary feeling isolated even in moments of victory.
“Gaming was my safe place,” Cleary shared softly. “But it turned into something I depended on. It got to the point where it was affecting my sleep and my clarity. I wasn’t fully present, and that hurt more than people realise.”
His honesty, delivered with humility and a sweetness that disarmed even the toughest critics, struck a chord with thousands of Aussies who face similar struggles in silence. Mental-health advocates praised Cleary’s courage, saying it could help destigmatise a growing but rarely acknowledged issue among young adults.
Yet among footy fans, the reaction has been mixed — from heartfelt support to frustration. Many applauded his bravery, calling it a reminder that “even heroes carry hidden weights.” Others questioned the timing, worried it might distract from Penrith’s intense pre-season preparations.
“Players are human first,” one fan wrote with affection. “Nathan sharing this makes him even more admirable.”
But harsher voices chimed in too: “He should be focusing on footy, not confessions.”
Inside the Panthers camp, however, there is only love and solidarity. Teammates praised Cleary for his openness, with insiders saying his willingness to seek help has strengthened team morale and deepened their respect for him.
Cleary emphasised that he is not abandoning gaming altogether, but learning balance and rediscovering the joy in being present, grounded, and healthy — emotionally and physically.
“I just want to feel like myself again,” he said. “And I want people going through the same thing to know they’re not alone.”
As Australia processes this heartfelt revelation, Nathan Cleary’s story is fast becoming more than a headline — it’s a sweet, human reminder that even our brightest stars sometimes need a little light themselves.
