He’s had the shortest State of Origin preparation for a NSW halfback since Andrew Johns in 2005, but the man who knows Nathan Cleary best has seen enough to know he’ll fire.
Cleary’s debut on Wednesday night at the MCG will represent something of a new era for NSW, with the Penrith No.7 playing the most important role in the Blues’ youngest team since 2004.
What makes it even more remarkable is the time in which he has done it, namely in just five games this season.
With the opening part of his season hampered by a knee injury, Cleary’s Origin hopes appeared over before he returned early and starred in two Penrith wins to shoot him into the NSW team.
It’s a feat not achieved inside five games by a halfback since Andrew Johns in 2005, who overcame knee and jaw injuries to spearhead NSW back from 1-0 down in what would be his final year of Origin.
Arguably the Blues toughest pound-for-pound player Geoff Toovey also pulled it off in five in 1995, while Ricky Stuart had the shortest ever preparation for a No.7 in 1992 with just three games played earlier that season.
None of those though were on debut and set to become the Blues youngest halfback in a decade.
But father Ivan Cleary, who coached against his son in his comeback game against Wests Tigers last month, says he’s already seen a change in the 20-year-old after his return from injury.
“Honestly, two weeks ago when we played them, I was surprised how well he played that night,” Ivan said.
“I thought he actually came of age a bit that night, he was so confident coming off such a long stint on the sidelines. So I feel good about him going into this game next week.
“Having watched just about every game he’s ever played I feel like he is going in pretty confident in his own game.”
Nathan will have plenty of support come Wednesday night.
Brad Fittler is a Cleary family friend and Johns – who Nathan idolised – are two key backers.
But the role of Ivan, who will travel to Melbourne for the match with his extended family, can’t be understated.
“I’ll be pretty nervous, no doubt,” Ivan said.
“It’s funny, when your son starts playing NRL for me personally as a coach it was a good insight to what other parents go through, and your own players and their parents.
“And now with the State of Origin level, it goes up even more. Especially the level of scrutiny, especially as a halfback. You feel that a bit more. But that’s the game.”
SHORTEST LEAD-IN TIMES FOR A NSW HALFBACK
* Ricky Stuart, Game II 1992 – 3 club games.
* Geoff Toovey, Game II, 1995 – 5 games.
* Andrew Johns, Game II, 2005 – 5 games.
* Nathan Cleary, Game I, 2018 – 5 games.