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Ivan Cleary: We lost opportunities and Wigan were too excellent.
Ivan Cleary believes his son Nathan needs to improve at State of Origin level if he is to be considered one of the best halfbacks to ever play the sport. The Panthers coach says the No.7 has had an illustrious career to date but his game still has a way to go for both club and state.
In particular, he believes Cleary’s performances for the Blues need to be more consistent after an up-and-down career for New South Wales. “He’s looking to improve. I know he can improve. He’s only 26, he’s had all that experience under his belt which he’s been able to use to his advantage,” Cleary told The Daily Telegraph.
“But he’s far from the finished product. He knows that. Probably the obvious one is Origin, he knows he wants to be more consistent in that area. He’s had some good moments, but in other moments he knows he can step up there, or prove. Probably the whole team can, but he definitely can. He’s still trying to work it out.”
Cleary was heavily criticised following Game I last year, as the Blues’ attack faltered. After the match legendary halfback Andrew Johns labelled the side’s offence “terrible”. NRL reporter Michael Carayannis went even further, slamming Cleary’s State of Origin career, saying he is fortunate to not be more heavily criticised.
