Ivan Cleary says son Nathan is capable of taking a back seat to Mitchell Pearce if selected at five-eighth for State of Origin II.
But is adamant his heart and long-term future are in the No.7, not the No.6.
Blues coach Brad Fittler and his selectors are reportedly set to retain Nathan in their side for next Sunday’s must-win clash in Perth after being criticised for his lack of strike ability in the wake of their Origin I loss.
However, he will be shifted to five-eighth with in-form Newcastle playmaker Pearce to be recalled.
Under the plan, South Sydney’s Cody Walker – who faces the Cleary’s Panthers at ANZ Stadium on Saturday – will be dropped after just one game.
And Pearce, who last year lost his Origin jersey after missing 11 weeks because of a torn pec, will run the show and float on both sides of the field in attack.
Panthers coach Ivan said Nathan was capable of sitting back and letting Pearce steer the side around and it’s not dissimilar to how he has played alongside James Maloney at club and representative level over the last few years.
“(Nathan) did it last year, I think he could definitely do it,” Cleary said.
“He’ll do whatever if he’s asked to do it.”
But pressed on Nathan’s best position and where his future lies, Ivan said he was undoubtedly a No.7.
“Nathan’s a halfback, he always has been,” Ivan said.
“He’s young, halfbacks don’t hit their straps until after they’re 25. He’s only 21.
“He does some things really well each week. But we all stand here and know that in five years time he’s going to be a lot more accomplished as well, you can’t speed up time.”
Ivan also urged caution against ringing in too many changes given the Blues only have a six-day preparation in Perth.
“Everyone’s picked apart 80 minutes of one game, it’s a tough one for Freddy and his selectors to come up with the right option,” Ivan said.
“Freddy’s a smart guy, he knows what he’s doing. If he thinks he needs to make some changes, he will.
“I don’t think the team is going to play a whole lot different other than what they did in game one.”
