Which player won the 2023 NRL Clive Churchill Medal?

Nathan Cleary won the 2023 NRL Clive Churchill Medal.

Cleary received the award after guiding Penrith Panthers to a 14–6 victory over Brisbane Broncos in the 2023 NRL Grand Final. The medal is presented to the player judged best on the field in the premiership decider, making it one of the NRL’s most prestigious individual honours.

Cleary played halfback and controlled the match through tactical kicking, organisation and calm decision-making. He also scored points during the final, but the award recognises overall performance rather than simply the leading scorer.

The victory gave Penrith a third consecutive premiership, following titles in 2021 and 2022. Cleary had already become central to that era of success, working with coach Ivan Cleary and a squad developed largely through the Panthers’ system. The award was his second Clive Churchill Medal.