He often cops jokes at the expense of his chin, but in Round 24 it was a different part of Nathan Cleary’s head drawing attention.
Running out to play the Melbourne Storm the four-time premiership winner was sporting headgear for the first time—and fans we left to guess why.
As it it turned out, it was nothing to do with concussion, rather a short-term precaution to help protect a cut near his ear, meaning it’s unlikely to become a long-term fashion choice.
After sliding three metres along the turf, head first, to score the Panthers’ second try in the 31st minute Cleary was probably very glad he was wearing it too.
MORE: Career-altering injury forces Storm player to wear goggles permanently
The Panthers continue to be one the NRL’s biggest proponents of headgear, with first-graders Brian To’o, Isaiah Papali'i and Brad Schneider all regular wearers, as is their former five-eighth, Wests Tigers skipper Jarome Luai.
In a quirk of head protection fate, the Round 24 loss to Melbourne also saw Storm centre Marion Seve become the first player in NRL history to compete in protective goggles after suffering a serious eye injury in a NSW Cup match earlier this season.
Headgear Cleary, kinda vibey? Or negative aura? pic.twitter.com/ZohlTumWqy
— The SuperCoach Whisperer (@SCWhisperer) August 14, 2025