Nathan Cleary

[OldPanther]

Factual in your opinion not mine, what gets lost by his critics is his age, he debuted at 18, compared to Maloney who debuted at 23, he has played origin, junior kangaroos, and led his team to 3 finals appearances and he’s only 21, he is not now or ever will be a Greg Alexander type half back, he is very much a Craig Gower type halfback

And I've said many good things about him. Doesn't change the fact that anyone who isn't a die hard Panthers fan thinks he's being carried by Maloney.

 

[kinghippo]

The other thing to consider is the way the game has evolved over the last few years. Halves are not as dominant as they were 5 years ago. Go through the comp and apart from the obvious standouts a lot of halves are stuggling with ball in hand. Milford is a prime example.
Defence across the game has gotten a lot better and the teams that are doing well have great attacking options at fullback and 9.
It is a lot easier to look like an attacking genius when you have Tedesco, Latrell or Ponga catching a pass and burning people.
The panthers have had such limited attacking threat out wide due to a complete lack of speed. I don’t think it’s a coincidence it finally went to complete garbage when we lost Peachy and CHN who were very good whole runners.
Edwards, whare, mansour, are not really attacking weapons, Edwards in particular adds 0 to structured attack. He is regaining his solid nature and backs up well but get us in the 20 and he becomes a liability.

 

[OldPanther]

The other thing to consider is the way the game has evolved over the last few years. Halves are not as dominant as they were 5 years ago. Go through the comp and apart from the obvious standouts a lot of halves are stuggling with ball in hand. Milford is a prime example.
Defence across the game has gotten a lot better and the teams that are doing well have great attacking options at fullback and 9.
It is a lot easier to look like an attacking genius when you have Tedesco, Latrell or Ponga catching a pass and burning people.
The panthers have had such limited attacking threat out wide due to a complete lack of speed. I don’t think it’s a coincidence it finally went to complete garbage when we lost Peachy and CHN who were very good whole runners.
Edwards, whare, mansour, are not really attacking weapons, Edwards in particular adds 0 to structured attack. He is regaining his solid nature and backs up well but get us in the 20 and he becomes a liability.

That's a good point. Top 4 all have good support in the spine.

Storm: Smith
Souths: Cook
Knights: Ponga
Roosters: Teddy

 

[Bob]

And I've said many good things about him. Doesn't change the fact that anyone who isn't a die hard Panthers fan thinks he's being carried by Maloney.

Don’t think Freddy is a diehard Penrith fan but picked Nathan but not Maloney so he rates him

 

[OldPanther]

Don’t think Freddy is a diehard Penrith fan but picked Nathan but not Maloney so he rates him

Didn't he have an agreement with Gus he'd pick and stick though.

 

[Bob]

Didn't he have an agreement with Gus he'd pick and stick though.

If you were origin coach and didn’t want him in your side would you pick him, I know I wouldn’t and I don’t think Freddy would either

 

[soc123_au]

Cleary will be fine. Tries saved are as valuable as tries scored, his effort is impeccable. The attack will come, He needs help though, a good ball playing type fullback would help. The Sharks fullback would be handy....

 

[rem286]

Don't worry about Cleary he will be fine. The team as a whole have been rotten for most of the year. Like others have said, now that they appear to be on a roll, he will find his mojo.

 

[OldPanther]

Don't worry about Cleary he will be fine. The team as a whole have been rotten for most of the year. Like others have said, now that they appear to be on a roll, he will find his mojo.

Without a doubt.

 

[Panther_Daz]

Every week I'm more and more convinced he is a 9.

 

[herbert henry1908]

This’ll be one of those classic threads to revisit in a few years time.

 

[soc123_au]

Every week I'm more and more convinced he is a 9.

I'd love to see him at 9. He could be worth his money there. He would also go ok in the backrow, but not at his pricetag. The kid can play, no doubt about that, it's where he is most valuable that is contentious.

 

[OldPanther]

This’ll be one of those classic threads to revisit in a few years time.

Yeah I'll probably be eating my words pretty hard.

 

[Panther_Daz]

I'd love to see him at 9. He could be worth his money there. He would also go ok in the backrow, but not at his pricetag. The kid can play, no doubt about that, it's where he is most valuable that is contentious.

His energy levels and attitude in defence would be very useful in the middle of the field. He could be someone who can lead our line speed. We've missed that person since Wallace left.

Also playing 9 would enhance his running game. Right now when he runs it's a little predictable. Off a quick play the ball in the middle of the ruck would be much more dangerous.

 

[franklin2323]

It can be used for positives as much as negatives. I just mentioned things that I have been defending that seem to be wrong especially that I noticed in yesterday's game while it was fresh in my mind. I left out the things I like about his game in the original comment. I have also since been positive in this thread about him. I agree with everything you said.

Luai made a try saver or 2 v Parra. He also has more try assists than Cleary in his last 2 games. No guarantee Luai doesn't make those 2 try savers in the same situation

 

[OldPanther]

 

[soc123_au]

His energy levels and attitude in defence would be very useful in the middle of the field. He could be someone who can lead our line speed. We've missed that person since Wallace left.

Also playing 9 would enhance his running game. Right now when he runs it's a little predictable. Off a quick play the ball in the middle of the ruck would be much more dangerous.

Convincing Ivan is the trick. It will hurt his rep chances having to compete against Cook.

 

[herbert henry1908]

Yeah I'll probably be eating my words pretty hard.

There’s a lot of statements one way or another, not many riding the fence, so there’s going to be a lot of fodder no matter the outcome

 

[herbert henry1908]

View attachment 30412

See those statements don’t recognise his ability as a footballer.

That’s what differentiates a lot of the criticism in here. Many of us see the good footballer, we just doubt he’s a 7.

 

[Panther_Daz]

Convincing Ivan is the trick. It will hurt his rep chances having to compete against Cook.

Very true about Ivan. Not disputing that at all. I just honestly believe 6.Luai 7. Maloney 9. Cleary is potentially our most dangerous combo.

It gives Maloney full control of organisation and managing the game plan. There is no confusion as to whose role that is.

It gives Luai the freedom to think run first and relieve any organisational pressure of him.

Cleary can focus on defending and support through the middle. His support play is actually quite brilliant. He has the fitness and commitment to keep pushing up in support all game.

If NSW lose the next game with him at halfback he may never play for NSW again anyway. Playing 9 at club level also opens up being the 14 at Origin level.