Nathan Cleary really has no business having three State of Origin series on his CV.
He was picked for Game 1 in 2018 as a 20-year-old, a selection that was somewhat vindicated by a Blues series win, even if Cleary was very much the junior halves partner and victory was far more down to the efforts of James ‘Jimmy Wins’ Maloney.
Last year Cleary was again the first mate at a struggling Panthers outfit when he was selected to play the interstate series, with Maloney – still the captain of the Good Ship Penny, if not officially – paying the price for Penrith’s sluggish start, being dropped for Game 1.
NSW lost. Jimmy got recalled. Jimmy Wins. NSW won.
But while NSW won the two series in which Cleary played, his personal winning record across five games – he was out injured for Game 3 last year – was 3-2, which now stands at a dead-even 3-3.
Of bigger concern is that the Blues’ halfback has a grand total of zero tries, zero try assists, zero line breaks and zero line-break assists across those six matches.
Last Wednesday his fifth-tackle options were poor and he missed two critical – if admittedly difficult – goals.
He also had two missed tackles, which is worth highlighting because over the course of his six games, he’s averaging 2.83 missed tackles each time he pulls on a blue jersey.
Now, admittedly that average is inflated by the nine tackles he missed over the course of his first two games, but it’s finally time to judge Cleary on his entire representative career because for two years we have been asked to chalk average efforts up to him being a young man learning his trade.
Phil Gould has told the story over and over again of how Brad Fittler asked him in 2018 whether he thought Cleary was ready to play Origin and Gus said yes, provided Cleary was given plenty of time to grow into the jersey.
Ivan’s boy was to be stuck with – there would be no axe falling on his young head if he didn’t immediately aim up.
And it kind of made sense in 2018. I don’t agree with picking anyone in a rep side based on what they might one day become, but sure, if you’re going to give a 20-year-old a go, don’t immediately burn him.
It made less sense in 2019, which is why I wrote leading into Game 2, “it’s become manifestly obvious Cleary is not yet a representative player. He might get there, but until he does, it’s ridiculous for one of the most prized and pressured positions in the game to go to a player on the basis of potential and promises.”
Nathan Cleary of the Blues. (Photo by Jono Searle/Getty Images)
Now, in 2020, it officially makes no sense. Cleary is very much steering the ship at the foot of the mountains now that Maloney has disembarked, and this season he led his club side to the grand final and came nail-bitingly close to winning the Dally M Medal.
All of which is to say Cleary’s no longer a boy who needs to be protected. He’s a man who needs to be held accountable.
Now, given the brilliance of his 2020 season, Cleary was an obvious selection for Origin 1. But after a sixth consecutive lacklustre performance, his place in the side should be under intense scrutiny.
Instead, Luke Keary has been dropped and Cleary promoted to vice-captain.
Like, seriously? Keary had an average game too, but why is it that Freddy acquiesces to Gus’ request that Cleary be treated as an endangered species, meanwhile both Keary and Cody Walker (after Game 1 last year) were immediately shown the door? Where’s their chance to grow?
No, they’re not as young as Cleary but they’ve both got many good years ahead of them. What’s more, both Keary and Walker have been in better touch at club level for longer than Cleary – in fact, on balance, Keary has been the form five-eighth of the comp for the last three years and has won a trio of premierships in his career, as well as a Clive Churchill Medal.
But one bad game from either of them and they’re out, while the repercussions for Cleary’s six substandard showings is the security blanket of a leadership position.
And it’s actually just an added blankie for the 22-year-old, who was all but assured of getting another full series as the NSW No.7 anyway after Freddy selected four five-eighths in his 27-man squad and just the one halfback.
Never mind that only having one recognised halfback is a bad idea in case Cleary went down injured, how about it’s a bad idea because there’s no back-up half to keep Cleary on his toes in case he, say, follows suit from every single one of his other Origin games and contributes a big old load of nothing to lead NSW to victory?
Why wasn’t, at a minimum, Adam Reynolds in the squad keeping Cleary honest? Particularly since it would have required Keary, Walker and Jack Wighton – possibly even Jake Trbojevic – to all go down injured before Jerome Luai got anywhere near the matchday 17.
Yes Keary can play halfback, but in rugby league’s toughest arena, having a second specialist in the most important position on the field – in a squad of 27 – is just common sense.
But common sense has gone out the window when it comes to Nathan Cleary wearing a blue jersey.
Nathan Cleary of the Blues (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
I know Cleary’s still young and I don’t expect him to play like Andrew Johns, even if, according to his official Origin profile, “he models his game off the Blues’ all-time best No.7”.
But while he doesn’t have to be Joey, he does need to stop being treated like a joey.
Cleary is a big boy now – the hint is that he’s got a ‘VC’ next to his name on the NSW teamsheet. The cover extended to him by Gus more than two years ago needs to be removed.
I’m not saying Cleary should be put on that infamous list of those who will never be selected again because they’re ‘not Origin players’.
But often the most important step on the path to sporting greatness is being dropped. Based on the fact he’s now played more Origin games than Keary, Walker and Reynolds combined – all of whom have suffered the ignominy of getting cut from the Blues – Nathan Cleary has reached that point.
steveng
Roar Rookie
No I wasn’t “wrong” as and what I’ve said is this “Cleary has to come up 2-3 levels above what he is at the Panthers” as that is what he did in SOO 2 on Wednesday, as his previous SOO’s form was plain and ordinary but, he had different dynamics in SOO 2 as Cody Walker (having played with Adam Reynold) added and extended his scope (similarly to what Luai does at the Panthers) and virtually allowed Cleary to do what he’s best at and that is kicking. Let’s see how he goes and pans out at Suncorp on the 18th Nov as “one ant doesn’t make an ant mole”. I really hope that Cleary comes up to the rank and plays even better, this was not a criticism of him but fact.
Steve 50
Roar Rookie
How wrong you were.
Cam
Roar Rookie
Agree 100%. Cleary s never been protected - he is the real deal and proven it all year long!!! What a BS pre origin 2 story and today ...tail between legs writer.??? There has only ever been one protected species and he should have been made extinct years ago.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Keary is not 100% he’s had a few injuries and really is not the player he was. Cleary was never ever a top class half at this level, yes he does well at the Panthers with Luai but, in SOO Cleary has to come up 2-3 levels above what he is at the Panthers and he just hasn’t and doesn’t do that. Yes he’s been in a GF but that should bring even more mongrel out of him and he should prove that he’s the #1 half, DCE just out plays him and out smarts him, get Walker out there asap from the get go and let Walker dictate the play, like he does at the Bunnies then the Blues will be certainties.
Brian Westlake
Roar Rookie
How Max? The last game he played (the GF), He choked like Ron Jeremys partner.
Rob
Guest
Cleary’s success in Origin has come against Hunt, Milf and McCollough with Maloney holding his hand. Cleary’s record Origins against DCE? Cleary is a good solid 7 with a long way to go IMO. I think Reynolds is a very good half and the fact no other 7 was picked in the squad suggest NSW have no intention of changing from Nathan Cleary anytime soon which sort of indicates he’s a protected species. Freddy might be showing confidence in Cleary but Clearly himself might be starting to feel a lot of pressure internally himself especially lining up against DCE, Munster, and Friend with yet another different player at 6?
Bob
Guest
Pearce was the half back in last year's decider it was his pass that led to the try that won nsw the game cleary wasn't even there so how has he won back to back origins
Rossi
Roar Rookie
I agree that the forwards were the problem last week; Murray getting injured really put them out of whack, plus Cordner was out of it but outside of the young starting props not much was offered. Jurbo and Frizell should be better for the run, and Yeo should straighten up the attack a bit when he comes on
Rossi
Roar Rookie
I'm backing the lad to get the job done tomorrow night, I was originally critical of the Walker selection but it makes sense in that Cleary plays well with an instinctive five-eighth, and Walker is basically a more talented version of Luai. Keary is hard done by but he's a bit of an organiser and kicker himself so I think Cleary and Walker are a good combo of structure and instinct. And many people will be quiet just as QLD fans are with Hunt and DCE playing well last week
Rob
Guest
I try bagging the officials when the Cowboys are playing but the officials only get worse? For some reason the officials are slightly better in Cowboy FTA games, bit like Gagai in Maroon?
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
The main story for me with Cleary isn't the stats from his origin career and the lack of impact but his current form. The same applies to Wighton. Cleary is a much better player now than the last two series and if he plays up to that form he will be setting up and scoring tries. Cleary showed towards the end of the GF what he is capable of and if they both hit form in SOO2 then everything changes and I reckon they both will.
Succhi
Roar Rookie
I would have had Reynolds in the squad. He’s played with Kerry and obviously Cody, plus has a great short kicking game and a goal kicker. Having said that, I think the blues forwards lack aggression and don’t have that one forward that just gets angry. Maybe Brown will fill that void.
Chris Love
Roar Guru
It’s hard to drop someone when you’re winning series. One. If difference I can see so far with Clearly compared to Pearce is that when the blues are on the back foot he simply doesn’t just kick it straight down he fullbacks throat and make the next set even worse.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Spot on , he's the best halfback in NSW by a distance.
Adam Bagnall
Roar Guru
Cleary has been involved in 2 series for two series wins. He may not be as dominant at Origin but he is still young. I suggest you do some research on what a protected species is. Mitchell Pearce is your prime example. Cleary is the best halfback NSW has it has nothing to do with being a protected species. Who else is there? Chad Townsend? We aren't that desperate
Muzz
Guest
We always blame the halves. Things will eventually click for Cleary! He works hard on his game. Freddy dropped the ball. NSW started the game poorly and thought they could hit the favourites button and win.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I pretty much agree with that...but we’re not just talking about one game. Cleary has had six games over three series and not done much. The zero try assists, etc is one thing but he’s yet to play anything beyond a half decent game beyond the stats Some legendary halfbacks didn’t even get six blues jerseys Qld did roll through NSW for 30 of the last 40 minutes but NSW had Qld’s measure for stages of the first half and pretty much all the ball in the last 10 minutes I wrote in Scott’s talking point article that Origin means more to Queenslanders. Win, lose or draw Queenslanders approach every Origin game like it will be their last. I don’t get that sense from a lot of NSWmen. Seemingly happy being the number one choice and having the jersey locked down. That’s how Pearce looked and that’s how Cleary looks at the moment Nothing would make me happier than to be proven wrong
Walter Black
Guest
A losing Grand Finalist but even if the Panthers had won, it wouldn't mean he was any good at Origin. Cleary reminds me of one Daly Cherry Evans. Working wonders with Manly, highly regarded by fans and pundits alike, fell apart in Origin jot just once but several times. His wilderness years have served him well and he is a better Origin player now but lets face it, his selection in this stint was as much because there was no one else as him being favourite. The same may eventually happen to Cleary but as the Jury stands, the is validity to this doubt.
Phil
Roar Rookie
After thinking about the above story and the comments here the bottom line is Cleary is a bloody good player but out of luck in SOO. He had his best year yet in first grade and a lot was said and written about the influence of Trent Barrett at Penrith. Nathan said in an interview that Barrett made a huge impact on his attacking game which makes me think Nathan needs the right direction from a coach. Could it be that Freddie is playing Cleary in a role that inhibits his game? I said here earlier today that I'm not impressed with Fittler's coaching as I find he wants the cream of the crop and hopes their talent will bring home the bacon. Bennett has shown what a superior mentor he is with what one illustrious scribe, Dean Ritchie, claimed to be the weakest QLD side in 40 years. It could be worthwhile next year to add Barrett to the NSW coaching staff if his club allows it.
KenW
Roar Rookie
There was another opinion piece on Cleary early this year - can't remember who wrote it sorry - opining a similar lament. He hasn't repaid the faith and better pull his finger out. It made me think that there's an unfair weight in these expectations. Mitchell Pearce and Braith Anasta were the obvious examples I thought of. Guys who were pinned up as future superstars before they were 20, rocketed into rep sides quickly, but ultimately never reached that elite level. Of course both of them were ('are' in the case of Pearce) high-quality NRL players who made weighty impacts for their teams with their play and leadership, but were unfairly maligned because they were supposed to become 'greats'. Pearce gets it worse, because they persisted with him year after year despite the lack of result. It would be better for Cleary if they didn't protect him, let him go and see if he's worthy of bringing back in the future.