NSW Coach Dismisses Criticism of Nathan Cleary’s Origin Legacy
NSW coach Laurie Daley has strongly refuted claims made by Andrew Johns that Nathan Cleary must win an Origin series to solidify his legacy in rugby league. The Blues’ No.7 is widely considered one of the best halfbacks of his generation, having secured four NRL premierships with Penrith. However, a recurring point of criticism for the 29-year-old is his lack of dominance in the Origin arena.
Cleary will enter Wednesday night’s series opener against the Maroons in Sydney with an 8-9 record across seven Origin series. One of the most notable statistical quirks about the champion halfback is that he has yet to win a Game 3 decider for the Blues, having attempted it three times. This has only added fuel to the argument put forward by league Immortal Johns and other critics.
Earlier this year, as reports circulated about Cleary potentially moving abroad when his contract expires at the end of 2027, Johns suggested that such a move would not happen unless Cleary could conquer the final frontier of Origin. “He’s won competitions, he’s won everything at club level – but I don’t think Nathan will leave until he owns an Origin series,” Johns said. “If you look at any of the great halves or X-factor players over the last 30 years at Origin… that’s where you build your real legacy and Nathan has admitted that.”
However, Daley does not share this view. He argues that Cleary, who holds the record for the most capped No.7 in Blues history, has already won three Origin series with NSW. The coach insists that success in the Origin arena relies on team performance rather than individual heroics.
Daley believes that the Blues have no chance of defeating Queensland if they rely too heavily on one player. He also states that Cleary has nothing left to prove in the Origin arena that would change his status in the game.
Team Effort Is Key, Says Daley
“That’s the storyline around Origin and Nathan, but I don’t see it like that,” Daley said. “I think that for us to have success, it has to be a team performance. If we’re relying on Nathan Cleary to go out and get man of the match, then we’re kidding ourselves.
“We’ve got to rely on 17 guys to be able to work hard for each other and we all share the wins, we share the losses, we share every moment. I don’t see it like Nathan has to own Origin. He’s won man of the matches, he’s been a part of winning Origin series before. It’s a big game for everyone.”
Cleary’s form for the ladder-leading Panthers has been exceptional this season. He led the Dally M leaderboard before voting was closed after Round 12. Blues skipper Isaah Yeo believes that Cleary has taken full advantage of the six-again changes and momentum swings in games this year, and is confident that he will carry this form into the Origin series.
“It’s been a little bit different just in regards to six-agains and momentum, and I just feel like he’s been really grabbing those moments,” Yeo said. “I think he’s probably adjusted quicker than any other half in the competition and it’s probably suited him and his strengths. At club level, he’s been outstanding and he’s going to do a wonderful job.”
