A masterclass from halfback Nathan Cleary has steered the Panthers to the NRL's preliminary finals

The number seven finished with two try assists, four tackle breaks and 92 running metres as Penrith beat the Roosters 30-10 at home.

It was Cleary's first game since missing the past three weeks with a shoulder injury, and just his 11th game all season.

Nathan's father - and Panthers coach Ivan Cleary - has applauded his son's performance as he matched up against Roosters back-rower Angus Crichton.



The Roosters will await the winner between the Bulldogs and the Sea Eagles in an elimination final next week.

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