State of Origin 2020: Reagan Campbell-Gillard ready for reunion with “pissed off” Nathan Cleary
Parramatta prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard has opened up on his impending Origin bubble showdown with former teammate Nathan Cleary, with Panthers still furious over RCG’s Penrith exit.
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Reagan Campbell-Gillard hopes Nathan Cleary is mature enough not to carry any animosity over his Penrith departure into NSW camp when the pair are reunited for the upcoming State of Origin series.
Cleary made headlines six weeks ago when he said Campbell-Gillard had “pissed off” his former Panthers teammates with revelations that he had stopped trying last year after being dropped to reserve grade by head coach Ivan Cleary.
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Speaking with The Daily Telegraph from inside NSW Origin camp on Monday, RCG said he “held no grudges” against any of the teammates he controversially walked out on last year.
But he wouldn’t go as far to throw his unwavering support behind the Panthers, the club still paying upwards of $300,000 of his Parramatta salary, in Sunday’s NRL grand final against the Melbourne Storm.
The 27-year-old declared himself ready to be reunited inside the Blues Bubble with up to seven Panthers players and staff – including No.7 Cleary - despite knowing his claims had upset them.
“What I said after leaving Penrith, it was purely about myself,” RCG said.
“I was doing things outside of football that I wouldn’t normally, but that’s how I was dealing with that season.
“And it’s a season I don’t want to go back on.
“But I’ve got no issue anymore and I don’t hold a grudge.”
So as for having a problem with Cleary?
“No I don’t,” he continued. “And I’m sure Nath is mature enough not to go on with it, either.
“I’ve left the club. He is still there.
“That’s it.
“Rugby league is a business.”
The Eels prop also said he remains close to a handful of players on the Panthers grand final roster – particularly lock Isaah Yeo and winger Josh Mansour.
“I’ve got some close friends still there and I’m excited for them this Sunday,” Campbell-Gillard said.
“I’ve never been to a grand final so I can’t say what it will be like for them.
“But it will definitely be a good game and I’ll definitely be watching.”
The Blues squad member also hopes to be joined in camp next week by Yeo, who he suggested was playing “the best football I’ve ever seen from him”
“And getting that Dally M Lock award is all his efforts paying off,” Campbell-Gillard added. “I really believe he’s the next Penrith captain.”
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While his old club may be in a decider Sunday, the Mt Druitt product has undergone a similar resurrection in the Eels – in the space of 12 months transforming from reserve grader to Origin hopeful.
“Obviously I had to change some things which I’ve done,” he said.
“I fell off the wagon last year and needed to get my football back on track.
“And I’ve done that.
“I’ve made some changes too around diet, sleep patterns, that sort of thing.
“I eat dinner early now, go to bed early … (laughs) I’m like an old person but it’s working so I’ll continue doing it.”
Originally published as State of Origin 2020: Reagan Campbell-Gillard ready for reunion with “pissed off” Nathan Cleary