Nathan Cleary says watching someone else lift the Provan-Summons trophy has fuelled his desire to take Penrith back to the NRL summit.

It was a strange end to the season for Cleary, sat watching the grand final instead of being involved at the heart of it.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Jon Bon Jovi crashes live cross in London

For the first time since 2019 Penrith failed to make the season’s finale, leaving the Panthers captain kicking his heels as Brisbane played Melbourne on the big day.

He did, however, sit down to watch the match, dramatically won by a Reece Walsh-inspired Broncos, who a week earlier had pulled off a similar comeback win against Penrith.

“I did watch it, and I definitely felt envious not being in it,” Cleary told AAP.

“But I think I had a great appreciation for what

See Full Page