Manchester: Nathan Cleary has declared he’s “just scratching the surface” after the Kangaroos halfback silenced his critics within the World Cup remaining.
Cleary’s performances on the event had been closely scrutinised – which teammate Latrell Mitchell put all the way down to tally poppy syndrome – however the playmaker saved his greatest for final.
Cleary, 25, dominated Samoa at Old Trafford on Sunday AEDT has now received the World Cup and the previous two NRL premierships.
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“Everyone gives him a bit of stick. When you’re at the top of the game and winning, everyone wants to see you fall – I’ve been there,” Mitchell stated.
“It’s all credit to Nathan the way he’s conducted himself and I’m very proud of him and the way the year has turned out for him.
“Winning back-to-back competitions is a hard thing to do, I’ve been there and done it, then to be able to (win the World Cup) with the boys is something very special.”
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga additionally went into bat for Cleary, blasting the commentary round his kind as “ridiculous”.
“I thought he was excellent. Not many people expected it, except us,” a fired-up Meninga stated after the ultimate.
“It’s been ridiculous to be honest with you the banter that’s been going on, but we had belief in our team and what we’re doing and he was exceptional.”
Australia captain James Tedesco additionally took a parting shot at Cleary’s critics following the ultimate.
“Everyone at the start of the tournament was calling him the best player, but by the end of it people are bagging him,” Tedesco stated.
“So I don’t really understand some of the comments that come at Nathan but he’s one of the best players in the world and he showed it tonight.”
The man on the centre of the controversy stated the ultimate was essentially the most comfy he’s felt in a Kangaroos jersey.
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“I just felt I had the best week of preparation and I knew I had to play well and link the team together if we wanted to win,” Cleary stated.
“We probably played the best game of our tournament too.
“Mal has always instilled the confidence in me that I could do the job and I’m very grateful for that and glad I could try to help repay the favour tonight.
“I’m 25 and there’s a long way to go, I feel like I’m just scratching the surface so very grateful for what’s happened so far, it’s not every day you get to win a World Cup at Old Trafford.”
Cleary was instructed of Mitchell’s feedback and responded that the squad was stuffed with gamers who’ve overcome adversity.
“I don’t really take too much notice of the outside noise, it’s always going to be there,” Cleary stated.
“There’s always going to be question marks on whether you’re doing the right thing or whether you’re good enough.
“That’s been a cool thing about this group, a lot of people have been through that so we come together and know what’s inside the group and know what we need to do for each other to get results.
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“It’s just about trying to be better every day, it’s not focusing too much on what other people are saying, it’s putting your best foot forward for the team.”
Cleary confronted his Panthers halves companion Jarome Luai within the remaining for the primary time since they had been youngsters.
The pair vowed to park their friendship for the conflict and so they squared off throughout Samoa’s pre-game battle dance.
“Romey was right in my face and it was honestly a really cool experience,” Cleary stated.
“(In the game) it was pretty cool just seeing how good they are and trying to defend them, it was a great experience.”
Luai additionally heaped reward on his good friend and teammate of just about 10 years.
“It was awesome (playing him), I got up in his face there in the (war dance) but then we just wished each other luck,” Luai stated.
“He’s the best of the best. I’m constantly wanting to test myself and there was no better way than doing it against one of my boys.”