Multiple outlets report that NRL player Nathan Cleary attributes part of his resilience and personal character to his grandmother, described as his “Ukrainian Nan.” The articles note that the Cleary family’s footballing background is well known, but they focus on Nathan’s decision to highlight his grandmother’s life story as a key influence. While the pieces differ little in emphasis, they consistently state that Cleary points to her “extraordinary journey” as formative in how he handles pressure and challenges. The reporting frames the grandmother’s experience as a source of strength that helped shape the person he has become, rather than as a direct sporting tactic or technical coaching. Across the three sources, the central theme is the same: Nathan Cleary publicly acknowledges his Ukrainian grandmother’s history as an important factor behind his resilience. The articles do not indicate competing claims about her background, concentrating instead on Cleary’s personal reflections and the family connection. The overall story centers on heritage, perseverance, and the influence of family history on an athlete’s mindset.