Westpac NSW Blues Nathan Cleary and Brian To’o say they have no problem in motivating themselves for a new season with the chance to win some missing silverware first on their 2023 agenda.
The Penrith duo will face the might of Super League champions St Helens in the annual Challenge Cup, which the Panthers were not able to play in the UK last year due to COVID travel restrictions.
After two NRL Premierships, the chance to add the Challenge Cup drove Cleary and other World Cup players back to training early to prepare.
“It’s a unique situation for us because we haven’t been able to play in one yet,” Cleary said ahead of the match-up at Penrith’s BlueBet Stadium on Saturday 18 February.
“A team like St Helens deserve the utmost respect having won four comps in a row. That’s pretty unbelievable really, so really looking forward to the challenge that presents.
“It’s a great opportunity for the club because we’ve never won one before,” he said.
Regardless of the game stimulating the Panthers pre-season, Cleary and To’o say motivation is always high at the Panthers Academy training facility.
“It’s just a sense of taking it day-by-day,” To’o said.
“Every day we come into training we have the mindset of making things better for not only ourselves but our club, our community and our fans.”
Cleary added: “I don’t think anyone in this team is content with where we’re at or what we’ve done.
“I’m obviously very grateful for the experiences I’ve had but I feel there’s still a long way to go and a lot more to achieve and unlock, I guess,” Cleary said.
“We enjoy coming to training each day trying to get better. It’s no different for each new season.”
They both spoke of wanting to enjoy a final club year with fellow True Blue Stephen Crichton, who has signed in 2024 with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
“I still love him to death – he’ll always be my little brother,” To’o said.
“It was a bit devastating to hear he’s leaving but it’s what footy is all about – nothing lasts forever.
“He’s taken an opportunity for himself and his family so I couldn’t be more proud of him.”
Crichton will replace the injured Dylan Edwards at fullback against St Helens.
“In the past any time ‘Critter’ has gone back to fullback he’s done a really good job,” Cleary said.
“As much as Dyl is a massive lost, it’s another big opportunity for Critter.”
