Confident Cleary backs Combination Improvement with Walker

Following the sides 18-14 loss to the Maroons on Wednesday night during the series opener, Nathan Cleary expects his place in the squad to come under examination, however, remains confident that his halves pairing with Cody Walker will improve.

Picture Above: Blues Halves pairing Cody Walker (Left) and Nathan Cleary (Right) will have their selections come under a lot of criticism and uncertainty following a 18-14 series opener loss to the Maroons. (Source: Fox Sports)

The Penrith halfback came into the series as a questionable selection by Blues Coach Brad Fittler. 

This came after a string of poor form for the Penrith Panthers, however Fittler said that he was determined to remain loyal to the young half who helped the team to a series win in 2018 during his debut series.

“The scrutiny always comes on the No.7, especially in Origin, so I’m prepared for it.” Cleary said.

Cleary admitted his game control was not up to par in the second half, but also revealed the confusion within the squad when bench utility Jack Wighton replaced Blues five-eighth Cody Walker in the 56^th minute.

Coach Fittler planned to utilise Wighton as a back-rower or centre. But with the Maroons proving dominant in the second half, he felt the need to throw Wighton in at five-eighth, despite not having trained in the position in the lead up to his Origin debut.

“Unfortunately he [Walker] went off in that second half. I don’t know what happened to him. I didn’t even know Cody was off until I saw Jack jump in. That was a bit of a mix-up but you’ve got to deal with that sort of stuff.” Cleary said.

This game was the first in which the Cleary-Walker combination was in force as they were paired following injuries to Sydney Roosters five-eighth and leading contender Luke Keary, Rabbitohs halfback Adam Reynolds and Newcastle gun Mitchell Pearce on the eve of selection.

“It’s not ideal when you lose but I could have done a lot more I feel. That hurts after the game but in saying that, I tried my hardest and unfortunately we just didn’t come through.”

After dropping James Maloney on form, Fittler chose to stick by young halfback Nathan Cleary, and selected Walker on his stunning performances for Souths this season. 

However after a disappointing performance in Game I, its expected Maloney and Pearce will be leading contenders for Game II at Optus Stadium in Perth, but Cleary remains hopeful of he and Walker receiving another shot.

“I think the best way to learn from each other is to play with each other. I feel like I’ve learned a fair bit about Cody.”

“It’s the first time we’ve played together and it’s building. Hopefully we can improve in the next couple of weeks.”

With Walker being rested this week against the Knights, he will only have his Round 14 game against Cleary’s Panthers to prove his ability before Fittler and his team select the Game II side ahead of the June 23 clash.