The 2025 NRL season is less than a month away and every team has players that will be branded with more expectations than others.

Ahead of the season's opening match in Las Vegas, Zero Tackle examines which players enter the 2025 NRL season with the heaviest expectations.

2. Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers)

The star halfback will be looking to guide Penrith to continued success.

Cleary's 2024 season was typically excellent, although he missed a fair chunk through injury as the Panthers marched to their fourth premiership in a row.

With several key players departing, Cleary's leadership will be more important than ever as Penrith aims to remain at the top.

NRL Qualifying Final - Panthers v Roosters
PENRITH, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 13: Nathan Cleary of the Panthers gestures during the NRL Qualifying Final match between Penrith Panthers and Sydney Roosters at BlueBet Stadium on September 13, 2024 in Penrith, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)