The pressure is on Nathan Cleary as he prepares to take on the challenge of dominating the State of Origin arena. With a reputation as one of the best players in the NRL, the question remains: can he truly be considered an Immortal if he doesn't conquer Origin? The debate rages on, and the future of Cleary's career hangs in the balance.
Cleary's achievements in the NRL are undeniable. A four-time premiership winner, three-time Dally M Halfback of the Year, and a World Cup winner, he has left his mark on the sport. However, his performance in the State of Origin series has been a different story. While he has won three series with the NSW Blues, he has never been the sole driving force behind their success, often playing second fiddle to other players.
Former Blues representative Braith Anasta highlights this point, stating, 'Nathan is the ultimate professional, but he hasn't yet dominated at the Origin level.' This dominance, Anasta argues, is what will set Cleary apart and make him an Immortal in the eyes of many. The concept of an Immortal in rugby league refers to players who are considered the greatest to ever play the game, a select group that includes legends like Andrew Johns, Cameron Smith, and Wally Lewis.
The challenge for Cleary is not just about winning series but about being the driving force behind NSW's victory. As journalist Brent Read points out, 'He has his moments, but he hasn’t been the hands-down dominant player in a NSW series win.' This lack of dominance has sparked speculation about Cleary's future, with some suggesting he might consider a move to the Super League or even switch codes.
The pressure is on Cleary to prove himself in the Origin arena. As fellow journalist Dean Ritchie notes, 'He has won a couple of series but he’s never dominated a game three decider and that bugs Nathan.' The question remains: can Cleary rise to the occasion and dominate the Origin series, thus silencing the debate about his immortality in the sport?
In my opinion, the key to Cleary's legacy lies in his ability to dominate the Origin series. While his achievements in the NRL are impressive, they don't carry the same weight without a defining moment in the Origin arena. The challenge is real, and the future of Cleary's career hangs in the balance. Will he rise to the occasion and secure his place among the Immortals? Only time will tell.
