The Cleary family straps in for the State of Origin ride following strong debut
THERE have been several false dawns for Blues fans during the past decade, but Nathan Cleary has shown all the poise and class New South Wales could ever want in a halfback.
Blues
Don't miss out on the headlines from Blues. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THERE have been several false dawns for Blues fans during the past decade. From peaking too early in series’ to bestowing unnecessary pressure on rookie playmakers.
But NSW looked to have put all the previous torment behind them with Nathan Cleary now destined for a long stint in the No. 7 jersey.
JOHNS: Origin I was potential realised
BATTLE: Trell gets last laugh on Chambers
Cleary declared he was ready to keep the halfback spot after a solid debut on Wednesday night as he shrugged off pre-game nerves amid doubts surrounding his fitness having made his return for Penrith just two weeks ago.
“You can’t get better than this feeling winning in Origin,” Cleary said. “It’s pretty amazing. Hopefully I can keep my spot and keep building.
“It was a blur. That’s a good way to describe it. Everything was happening and it was just transitional footy the whole time but to get away with the win was unbelievable.
“Nothing like I’ve ever experienced. It was such a great honour. I was nervous … really nervous.
“There was lots of nervous energy. It felt like everything in my footy career had led to this moment. “There was such a big build up.
LISTEN! Nick Campton and Tim Williams tackle all the news from Origin I, including player rating debacles, changes that need to be made and all the details from the match itself.
Subscribe to the League Central podcast on iTunes.
“I get nervous pretty much every week but the nerves were multiplied.”
Cleary was watched on by dad Ivan and a host of family members. Ivan — the Wests Tigers coach — urged the Blues to keep the faith with his son.
“I always hoped that would be the case (after they picked him),” Ivan said. “I felt he would suit this type of arena. It was a matter of when that was. It’s important they stick with him.
“I really enjoyed it but you ride every moment. In the end, I thought he did his job.
“I just knew how nervous he would be. I felt sick because I know he gets nervous. I caught up with him before the game and he was not too bad. He was as good as he could be. The way he started the game I felt was good.”
Ivan has seen how the weight of expectation has been placed on his son. Much of the pre-game build-up centred around Nathan and the hopes the Blues had finally found the answer to their long-term halves problems.
“The first couple of articles are like ‘that’s exciting’,” Ivan said. “By about the 15th it’s like ‘hmm the pressure is mounting’. The scrutiny (is high) especially when you play halfback. Winning solves everything.
“He is my son. I want the best for him. To see him so stoked and relived, it’s an awesome feeling.
“All the parents you meet, I met a few (on Wednesday). It’s nice to share the same kind of feelings. At the end of the day I’m the same as everyone else, you just want your best for your son.
“He has always played like that. He will improve out of that game. Every level he has gone up in his young life, after the first game he takes it all in and works it out better.
“Next game he comes back with a little bit more. He will probably have to.”
Nathan was rattled when he was hit by a bone-jarring Greg Inglis tackle. Ivan said it was a “good moment” while Nathan described the whack as “pretty cool”.
“It’s part of Origin,” Nathan said. ”It was a good welcoming. Hopefully it doesn’t happen again.”