James Maloney, one of the most celebrated playmakers of his generation, recently shared his insights on the early signs that pointed to Nathan Cleary’s potential to become one of the NRL’s greats. As a teammate of Cleary at the Penrith Panthers, Maloney witnessed firsthand the development of a player who has since gone on to define the modern halfback role. In his reflections, Maloney highlighted a few crucial factors that laid the foundation for Cleary’s current success and why the Panthers, Brisbane Broncos, and Canterbury Bulldogs could be in line for a historic five-peat in the coming seasons.
Maloney’s first observation of Cleary’s potential came when Cleary was still a young, emerging talent. He mentioned Cleary’s maturity and confidence on the field, which stood out even during his early years in first-grade football. Unlike most young players who may struggle with the pace and pressure of NRL, Cleary exhibited an uncanny calmness, paired with exceptional kicking and decision-making skills. Maloney pointed to Cleary’s ability to dictate the tempo of a game from the halfback position as a key indicator of greatness. His kicking game, in particular, was already highly refined, with Cleary able to control field position with ease, often setting up his team for success in crucial moments.
The leadership qualities Cleary demonstrated also played a pivotal role in his rise. Even at a young age, Cleary took responsibility for the team’s performance, displaying a strong understanding of the game and an ability to rally the squad when needed. This leadership ability, combined with his natural talent, was a potent mix that allowed him to flourish under the mentorship of experienced players like Maloney. Cleary’s work ethic and desire to constantly improve were qualities that Maloney admired, as they set him apart from his peers and paved the way for a career that now includes multiple Premierships and representative honors.
As for the Panthers’ potential for a five-peat, Maloney believes they are well-positioned to continue their dominance in the NRL. He pointed to their impressive roster, which includes a mix of seasoned veterans and young stars, as well as their solid structure under coach Ivan Cleary. Maloney emphasized the importance of a strong spine in a team’s pursuit of sustained success, and with Cleary at halfback, combined with key figures like Api Koroisau at hooker and Jarome Luai at five-eighth, the Panthers are primed to continue their reign over the competition.
Maloney also praised the Brisbane Broncos for their young and talented squad, particularly their halves combination with young gun Kotoni Staggs and rising star Herbie Farnworth. He believes that if the Broncos can keep their core group intact and build around their young stars, they could be serious contenders for a long period, perhaps even extending their own dominance into a multi-year streak.
For the Canterbury Bulldogs, Maloney sees the potential for a future resurgence. The club’s recent roster changes, including the signing of some key players, could see them become a formidable force once again. With the right leadership and a strong coaching setup, Maloney believes the Bulldogs could challenge the NRL’s top teams and set their sights on a multi-year reign.
Ultimately, Maloney’s comments highlight the importance of a strong structure, leadership, and consistency for teams aspiring to achieve long-term dominance in the NRL. The next few seasons could witness exciting battles between these teams as they look to build on their foundations and achieve greatness.
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