Penrith Power:Panthers fans celebrate with the NRL champions on Monday morning.Credit:Steven Siewert/SMH
Superstar halfback Cleary,who is being hailed as the best player in the game,emerged from the Panthers’ foyer shirtless and told reporters he needed some sleep before returning to greet the fans.
Ski goggles,which have become the norm for sporting teams who celebrate with champagne or beer being sprayed everywhere in the sheds after a grand final victory,even featured Penrith’s sponsors this year.
Coach Cleary became a little sentimental when talking about some of the players and coaching staff who would depart in the coming weeks. He thanked the fans who were forced to cheer last year’s NRL title from nearly 1000km away because of COVID lockdown.