LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Nathan Cleary, the Penrith halfback widely regarded as the best player in the world, has openly acknowledged the criticism of his State of Origin performances as justified.
Following a lackluster showing by NSW, which resulted in them relinquishing the shield at home, Cleary admitted that he has yet to fully dominate in the Origin series.
Despite boasting an impressive club record-having won four consecutive titles and being named most valuable player twice-his Origin record now stands at 8-9 after losing his third decider.
The discourse surrounding Cleary has always been polarizing, with some fans labeling him as the "GOAT" while others point to his struggles in representative football as a significant gap in his otherwise stellar career.
In candid remarks, Cleary echoed these sentiments, stating, "At the end of the day, I haven't (owned Origin)." He emphasized his self-critical nature, asserting, "I'm the harshest marker of myself anyway," and concluded that he doesn't find public criticism out of line, as he holds himself to that same standard.
Cleary's reflections come during a pivotal moment in his career, where the expectations are as high as his achievements.
Despite his undeniable talent and success at the club level, the pressure continues to mount for him to make a more significant impact on the representative stage.