NSW halfback Nathan Cleary stands on the cusp of rugby league history tonight, set to equal the legendary Andrew Johns’ record for most games in the sky-blue No. 7 jersey.
As the Blues aim to clinch the State of Origin series against Queensland at Optus Stadium, Cleary revealed a potent sense of familiarity within the camp, likening it to Penrith’s dominant premiership era.
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Cleary, who will play his 16th Origin match – drawing level with Johns and Mitchell Pearce – pinpointed the reunion with his long-time Panthers partner Jarome Luai as a key factor.
Luai, called up to replace the injured Mitch Moses, seamlessly reintegrated, bringing the total of Penrith’s premiership-winning contingent in the Blues squad to nine (including 18th man Matt Burton).
“It is a bit of that feel of that 2021 grand-final team,” Cleary stated on Tuesday. “Jarome and I understand each other’s games pretty well. So in that regard, it was a pretty seamless transition with him coming back in.”
The duo, who have partnered since age 15, boasting 107 wins from 134 games together before Luai’s move to Wests Tigers, slipped back into their old rhythms effortlessly. Cleary emphasized that Luai’s existing combinations with other squad members, forged during last year’s series, further solidified his impact.
Despite his four NRL premiership rings, Cleary acknowledged the unique pressure and expectation surrounding him in Origin, particularly as he seeks his fourth series win as halfback. He reflected on his evolution since his 2018 debut under Brad Fittler.
“[Origin] comes with more expectations now… But I’m in a position to play my best footy,” Cleary said. While his role was simplified early on, he now seeks a “greater influence” on the team’s performance.
He credits challenging seasons, like Penrith’s climb from the bottom of the ladder this year and his pivotal 2019 campaign, for forging his resilience and maturity.
Now in his 10th NRL season, Cleary described a fundamental shift in his relationship with the game.
“I’m still passionate about it… But I would say in terms of professionalism, that’s changed,” he explained. “This is a duty to my teammates… It’s much more regimented with what I need to do to play my best.”
This disciplined approach, he believes, underpins his renowned consistency, a stark contrast to his instinctive 18-year-old self.
As Cleary prepares to etch his name alongside Origin greats, the Blues bank on the potent blend of his milestone motivation and the rekindled Penrith chemistry to secure victory in Perth and reclaim the series shield.
