LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Matty Johns and Cooper Cronk have pinpointed a significant issue with Nathan Cleary's play style amid the struggling performance of the Panthers, who currently sit last on the NRL ladder with only two wins from eight matches.
Their critique centers on Cleary's tendency to run east-west across the field rather than attacking the defensive line directly, a tactic that has become predictable for opposing teams.
The Panthers, who have been a dominant force in the NRL, making five consecutive grand finals and winning four, are now facing scrutiny, especially regarding whether Cleary and fullback Dylan Edwards will be selected for the State of Origin.
The duo's diminishing impact is attributed to a combination of weaker player support around Cleary and the development of a detrimental habit in his playing style.
"They are a great team and they haven't found their rhythm," Johns remarked on their show, highlighting the dangers of this approach.
He noted, "Those cross shapes (where he's running across field), I find them dangerous...
if you're not careful, you start to lose your up-field punch."
Cronk echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for Cleary to refocus his strategy.
"When your hips are east-west as opposed to north-south you become less effective as a ball-player," he stated, urging Cleary to realign himself and attack the line more directly.
Both analysts believe that adjusting his approach could rejuvenate the Panthers' offense and improve their chances of success moving forward.