The Rise of a New Generation of NRL Halfbacks
Nathan Cleary’s influence on the next generation of NRL halfbacks is evident as Zane Harrison makes his debut for the Gold Coast Titans. At just 20 years old, Harrison has long admired Cleary, the Penrith playmaker, and some Titans officials have noticed him trying to mimic Cleary’s kicking style and his effortless movement across the field.
Harrison, an under-19s NSW Origin representative from Tweed Heads, will make his first appearance a week after Joey Walsh made his starting debut for Manly, and two weeks after Kade Reed, another Cleary fan, was given the St George Illawarra No.7 jersey.
Not long ago, it was rare to find quality halfbacks in NSW. However, after 11 seasons in the NRL, Cleary, now 28, has inspired a new wave of playmakers who could one day vie for the Blue jersey.
Isaiya Katoa, 22, has often spoken about working closely with Cleary at the Panthers before moving to the Dolphins. Meanwhile, Canterbury’s Lachie Galvin, 20, had his management reach out to the Panthers about playing alongside Cleary when he wanted to leave the Wests Tigers.
There are also high hopes for Canterbury’s Mitch Woods, whose NRL debut has been delayed due to injury, and Canberra’s Ethan Sanders, a 22-year-old playing regularly with the Raiders. Sanders will face Cleary on Sunday. Other promising talents include Toby Rodwell of the Roosters and Lincoln Fletcher of Parramatta.
Coach Josh Hannay on Harrison’s Debut
Ahead of the Titans’ clash against the Sydney Roosters on Friday evening, coach Josh Hannay spoke about Harrison’s debut and Cleary’s influence. He said:
“There hasn’t been a high volume of great halfbacks, the pickings have been quite slim, but Nathan has had that influence and reach on these kids where they’ve said, ‘I want to be just like him.’”
Hannay added:
“I wish it wasn’t that way, being a proud Queenslander. We don’t need another Nathan Cleary any time soon.”
He also mentioned that he didn’t initially realize Harrison was a NSW junior, as he assumed “Gold Coast kid” meant a Queenslander.
Harrison replaces Lachie Ilias, one of several players affected by the Titans’ defeat to an undermanned Canberra side last weekend.
“But this decision to play him [Harrison] isn’t a reactive one based on our performance last week – it’s one where the timing feels right based on what he’s shown us for some time now,” Hannay said.
“He doesn’t need to see this game as a ‘one-and-done’ type of situation where he needs to go out and show it all.”
Hannay praised Harrison’s temperament, character, toughness, and decision-making skills.
Kade Reed’s Perspective
Reed, who made his start against the Roosters on Anzac Day, admitted he watched a lot of Cleary growing up.
“I love how calm and composed he always looks, and you can see how much success he has because of his preparation,” Reed said.
“He can also control a game with his boot. I’ve definitely tried to take bits and pieces from his game to add into mine.”
Harrison faces an in-form Roosters side that has struggled with consistency, despite scoring points easily.
Kieran Foran’s Support
Kieran Foran, who was at the Titans with Harrison last year before retiring, has since become caretaker coach of Manly. He praised Harrison’s potential.
“Zane is a genuine halfback, he’s young, skilful, and really understands the game – he’ll have a big career,” Foran said.
