Nathan Cleary says he plays his best football with James Maloney

Nathan Cleary’s State of Origin performance left some questioning whether the Penrith playmaker should even be there — but perhaps the problem was who wasn’t alongside him.

Cleary would be more confident with Maloney alongside him for NSW. Image: AAP Image/Craig Golding

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Nathan Cleary says he plays his best football with James Maloney and believes his Penrith teammate would excel alongside him in the halves for NSW in Origin II if selected.

Maloney is being strongly considered for a Blues recall after South Sydney star Cody Walker struggled to take control at five-eighth in the Game I loss.

Cleary refused to declare that his Panthers No.6 should replace Walker but praised his ability to make him a better player.

Fittingly, Maloney takes on Walker on Saturday night when Penrith play South Sydney at ANZ Stadium.

A strong performance against the Rabbitohs No.6 could be enough for the Panthers playmaker to secure an Origin call-up.

Cleary would be more confident with Maloney alongside him for NSW. Picture: Brett Costello

Maloney and Cleary steered NSW to a series victory last year and the Penrith pair possess the chemistry and composure to help NSW level the series in Perth on June 23.

“Jimmy is just a big game player,” Cleary said.

“You can look back at any game in his career and if it is a big game he is always up for it.

“He always turns up and does his job.

“In saying that I did enjoy playing alongside Cody (Walker). I think he has got a lot to offer.

“But Jimmy is who he is — he always plays well when the pressure is on. It doesn’t really affect him at all.”

Cleary said Maloney was a man on a mission in Sunday’s upset win over defending premiers the Sydney Roosters.

The two-time premiership-winning half produced his best performance of the season to put NSW selectors on notice.

Penrith's halves proved their point against the Roosters. Picture: Brett Costello

Cleary believes Maloney’s enthusiasm is infectious, especially on big stages like Origin and finals football.

“It looked like he was out to prove a point (against the Roosters),” Cleary said.

“He was energetic and he was in everything. He was back to his best hitting holes.

“I thought we combined pretty well. When Jimmy is at his best it makes everyone else play better as well.

“He is that kind of influential player and it is a pleasure to play alongside him when he is in good form.

“I see him do things on the field and I want to do things as well, especially defensively when he is rushing down and putting shots on someone like Tedesco.

“He gives everyone a leg up when he does that.

“I know Jimmy would love to be back there playing Origin but it isn’t up to him and he just has to do his best playing an let the selectors do their job.”

Another good game would boost calls for a Maloney Blues return. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

Penrith teammate Josh Mansour has no doubts that his veteran five-eighth would star for the Blues if selected.

“I’ve always had faith in Jimmy,” Mansour said. “He is just a big game player.

“I thought he really made a point the other day against the Roosters. His performance was just class and hopefully the Origin selectors regain their faith in him.

“He has built a great partnership with Nathan. They know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and they have a lot of chemistry together.

“I’d like to see them back there. I thought they did an amazing job in last year’s series.”

Mansour is also confident that Cleary will be selected for NSW in Game 2 but the man himself isn’t getting carried away.

“I’m not too sure — that is up to Freddy,” Cleary said.

“I’ve said all along that I’d love to be there. It is a great stage to play footy on but we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.

“I’ve still got another game this weekend as well. Everyone has got an opinion.

“There are a lot of halves playing well. I think Mitch Pearce is playing really well and if they were to pick him then it definitely wouldn’t be frowned upon.’’

Originally published as Nathan Cleary says he plays his best football with James Maloney