Nathan Cleary says he has been impressed by what Panthers teammate Casey McLean has done throughout the year and during NSW Origin camp.
Cleary, who has combined with McLean in the Penrith Panthers attack, said the 19-year-old has made a strong impression.
“He’s impressed me,” Cleary said.
McLean has continued to put his best foot forward in camp, with Cleary saying he has been willing to help the team wherever needed.
“He’s putting his best foot forward when he gets reps in any position,” Cleary said.
McLean, who usually plays centre for the Panthers, may be called on to cover other positions for NSW. Cleary said he has enjoyed having him in camp and praised his attitude.
Cleary on McLean
“He’s impressed me. He’s just 19 years old, which is pretty crazy.
“Just through his NRL career, he’s impressed me, but now coming into a big arena, he’s still been able to put his best foot forward and just try and help out around the team.
“Obviously with a six-man bench now, it’s a bit different because you don’t know if you’re going to get on or not, but he’s putting his best foot forward when he gets reps in any position.
“It’s been great to have him in camp.”
Cleary and McLean combination
The McLean-Cleary combination has been an important part of Penrith’s success, with the pair winning 25 of their 36 games together.
After combining strongly for the Panthers, the pair will now line up together for the NSW Blues on Wednesday night.
NSW Blues Press Conference - Nathan Cleary
Cleary excited to partner Mitchell Moses
Nathan Cleary will partner Mitchell Moses in the halves for NSW in Game I of State of Origin.
Cleary said he is excited to team up with Moses again and described him as “easily one of the best halfbacks in the game”.
The last time the pair played together was in Game I of the 2025 State of Origin series, where they helped NSW secure a win after only around 10 days of preparation.
Cleary said he believes they combined well in that match and is looking forward to building their connection again.
Cleary on Moses
“I’m excited. I always watch Mitch from afar and admire his game,” Cleary said.
“I think he’s easily one of the best halfbacks in the game, and getting to team up with him again — we only got the one game last year, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
“I’m looking to build on that now, and hopefully we can solidify that partnership and grow it.
“I think Mitch actually grew up as a six, so it’s obviously there for him. He’s got that X-factor about him as well.
“I thought game one last year, we combined pretty well, and that was only off 10 days of preparation or something.
“It’s just been fun getting to team up with him in the first few days of training, and I’m looking to build on it.”
Cleary and Moses combination
Widely regarded as two of the game’s best playmakers, Nathan Cleary and Mitchell Moses will reunite in the halves for NSW in Game I.
The pair first combined in last year’s State of Origin opener, helping NSW secure a win. Cleary believes Moses’ natural instincts, creativity and “X-factor” complement his own game, with the duo already building confidence through the opening days of camp as they prepare to line up together again on Wednesday night.
By Rome Bennett - Panthers Junior Reporter
