Panthers coach Ivan Cleary isn't buying into the debate about his son Nathan Cleary 'dominating' State of Origin, with Nathan set to be joined by Isaah Yeo and Brian To'o as the big guns return for Penrith's grudge match with the Wests Tigers.
Origin has always been seen as the final frontier for Nathan Cleary, who has dominated the NRL with four premierships and two Clive Churchill Medals. He has been the best player in the best team of the NRL era, but that form hasn't always carried over to representative sides. He now boasts a 50 per cent winning record for the Blues after his brilliant second half in last week's series opener.
Nathan Cleary silenced some of his doubters with a superb performance for the Blues. The NSW halfback scored a try, nailed a 40/20, and set up two tries off kicks, including James Tedesco's in the final two minutes that Cleary duly converted to seal the famous 22-20 victory. His father proudly watched on from the stands at Accor Stadium and isn't overly concerned about whether his son has finally ended the Origin debate after he claimed his third man-of-the-match award.
'I've always seen him do that. He's learnt a lot over the years and has had some really good games and has had some other games where he feels like he could do better,' Ivan said.
'I don't even know what dominating Origin is because we've never seen anyone do it. Even Wally Lewis back in the day, he's probably the only one who really (went close) but did he? I don't know.
'I'm just so proud of him (Nathan) that he's in there for a start and that he prepares as hard as he can and plays as hard as he can. He did well last week, but it'll all be on again in a couple of weeks.'
Cleary missed Sunday's epic win over the Warriors, but he will return on Sunday alongside a couple of his NSW teammates after they were rested. While they didn't play, Liam Martin returned from a knee injury for his first game since round 6 that has him in the mix for an Origin recall to add to his 15 appearances in blue. Martin had a quiet first stint on the right edge but returned in the middle where he provided plenty against the Warriors.
'I'm not sure,' his coach replied when asked if he should be picked for Origin II at the MCG on June 17, with starting back-rowers Hudson Young and Haumole Olakau'atu unlikely to be dropped. 'He's obviously been there a lot and understands that arena, but it's hard to say based on what he's just done. I'm sure he wouldn't let anyone down.
'It's been a real stop-start year for him, so I think he's just happy to get back out there. I thought the second stint where he came back on, he was looking pretty free, so he'll only get better.'
Meanwhile, Cleary is looking forward to Sunday's clash against the Tigers who returned to winning ways with stars like Api Koroisau and Jahream Bula back on deck. 'They've definitely improved throughout the year,' Cleary said of the team he coached for two seasons. 'They're a high-energy team who look pretty connected. When they've got it going, they're a real handful, so it should be a really good game.'
