Westpac NSW Blues halfback Nathan Cleary emphasises he’s not an Origin selector but believes his Penrith teammate and halves partner Jarome Luai brings out the best in his game.
NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler will not select his squad for Game One for another five weeks but the Cronulla-Sutherland half and Dally M Medal winner Nicho Hynes is also in the mix after some impressive performances for the Sharks.
“Everyone loves talking about Origin real early, so it’s no surprise,” Cleary said.
“Let’s wait and see. There’s still a long time before that first Origin game (31 May) and there’s a lot of footy to be played.
“Nicho is playing great footy. But in saying that ‘Romy’ has been there and done it and performed in really big games to. So it’s a good problem to have.”
Hynes has five try assists in three games, after starting the NRL season late due to a calf injury.
Luai has two try assists from six games for the Panthers so far and has played five Origin games for the Blues scoring two tries in the 2022 series.
Cleary and Luai won the 2021 Origin series together along with two Panthers NRL Premierships in 2021-22.
“I’ll always say I enjoy playing with Romy because he makes my game better,” Cleary said today.
“I think we do have that good combination that’s been built over a long period of time.
“But it’s not up to me – so we’ll see.”
Fittler will name his Game One team after Round 12 is completed with the first Ampol State of Origin game will be played at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday 31 May.
