Monday Buzz: Nathan Cleary on track for GOAT status, according to Matty Johns

Matty Johns believes Nathan Cleary is already at the same level in the hall of greatness as his brother Joey and Johnathan Thurston. BUZZ ROTHFIELD asks if GOAT status is inevitable for the Panthers star?

Matty Johns believes champion Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary could become the greatest rugby league player of all time.

It’s a gigantic statement but not outrageous considering the 26-year-old superstar could have another eight years to play out in the NRL.

Johns says Cleary is already at the same level in the hall of greatness as his brother Joey and Cowboys legend Johnathan Thurston.

I said the same after last year’s grand final when he destroyed the Brisbane Broncos in the most stunning final 17 minutes of leadership, quality and class you’ll ever seen to get a team home to win a premiership from a hopeless position.

Your columnist was accused of recency bias and told Cleary had to dominate State of Origin before he could be considered in the all-time great status.

This is a bit of a furphy in that Cleary does have a 50 per cent record in Origin, while Joey’s winning percentage was 56 per cent.

Matty Johns believes Nathan Cleary could become the greatest of all time. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Thurston had 65 per cent but played for years alongside Cameron Smith, Darren Lockyer, Cooper Cronk, Greg Inglis and Billy Slater in the greatest Maroons side ever assembled.

Thurston and Joey also never played in four straight grand finals, let along win three in a row. And in a couple of weeks it might be five straight deciders for Cleary.

Matty Johns, however, has no doubts about Cleary’s positioning among the legends.

“In my mind he’s up there alongside Joey and JT,” Johns said.

“Longevity is always the test but what more can he do? I understand the caveat will always be Origin.

“It’s a bit like Lionel Messi. People used to say you can’t have him in the same sentence as Maradona.

“That he had to win a World Cup first. Then he did. Most think he deserved to be ­anyway. It’s the same with Nathan now.”

Andrew Johns.

Johnathan Thurston. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Roosters supremo Nick Politis has had many of the great halves at Moore Park over the years, including Cronk, Freddy Fittler, Kevin Hastings, Kevin Junee and Johnny Mayes.

He walked out of Penrith after the loss on Friday night shaking his head: “He’s a freak.”

Johns raves about his toughness and durability as much as anything else.

“What he did on Friday night is extraordinary,” Johns said.

“To come back from that shoulder injury, which is nowhere near 100 per cent, the mental toughness is something else. His tackles, diving on loose balls. I was cringing, thinking he’s going to get up holding his shoulder.

Nathan Cleary’s return against the Roosters was spectacular. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“He just got on with it. The only thing stopping him being the best we’ve ever seen is injury.

“When he finally hangs them up, and I don’t want to mock him with injuries, I think he could be the best ever.”

Johns says Cleary may still have more improvement in him.

“We know he’s got incredible skill, toughness and work ethic,” Johns said, “but every year you see him he gets ­better as a leader.

“How many times this year has he repeated what he did in last year’s grand final?

“They were 14 points down against the Dolphins and Parramatta but he got them home. He is unbelievable.”