Nathan Cleary’s champion qualities remind me of a Newcastle halfback that I used to coach but the guy wearing the No.7 jersey in Sunday night’s grand final is a chance of reaching a very rare milestone on Sunday. Cleary is often compared to Andrew Johns and as someone who had the luxury of working alongside at the Knights when he was at the peak of his powers, I can definitely see a few similar traits in Penrith’s playmaker.
Jahrome Hughes has had a great season for Melbourne and totally deserves his Dally M Medal for the superb way he has been playing all year. It will be a game of two halves. Cleary is like Joey because of his composure on the field in the critical moments.
More League He has that ability to make the right play pretty much every time. There was an example last Saturday night against Cronulla when the Panthers got themselves a line break near the posts and Nathan had the presence of mind to sum up the situation perfectly. With the defence scrambling, he set himself about 15 metres wide of the ruck on the left edge, called for the ball and then fired a long pass for his side to score in the corner.
Joey had that too – the nous to execute the right play at the right time. Then he’s got the other traits that Andrew Johns had – his toughness, kicking game and outstanding defence. Cleary came up with a 40/20 last week just when his team needed it.
The awareness of knowing when the pressure is on and a big play can turn the momentum, it’s priceless. .
