Brisbane Broncos face Penrith Panthers in NRL preliminary final amid Nathan Cleary dominance and Reece Walsh pressure

The upcoming NRL preliminary final between the Penrith Panthers and Brisbane Broncos highlights a critical rivalry, with Panthers star Nathan Cleary having dominated the Broncos in recent matchups, scoring more individual points than the entire Broncos team in their last four encounters. Cleary's performance includes a memorable comeback in the 2023 Grand Final, where he scored decisive points and earned his second Clive Churchill Medal, solidifying his status as a key player against Brisbane. Meanwhile, Broncos fullback Reece Walsh, despite being in exceptional form since returning from a knee injury, has never beaten Penrith, with the Panthers remaining the only team undefeated against him in his 93-game NRL career. Walsh's matchup against Cleary is seen as pivotal, with the Broncos hoping his recent influence can counter Cleary's dominance and help Brisbane advance. Penrith's defense is expected to focus heavily on limiting Walsh's impact, recognizing his ability to change games, while Brisbane aims to utilize Walsh's skills alongside returning captain Adam Reynolds. The clash promises to be a high-stakes battle, emphasizing the strategic duel between these two standout players and their teams' quest for premiership success.