Angus Crichton has vowed to welcome Nathan Cleary’s “return” to the NRL after Penrith named the scrum half a surefire starter for their qualifying final.
But the Sydney Roosters second row promises it’s nothing personal.
Cleary received the final nod to his left shoulder on Wednesday, almost a month after he was injured against Melbourne in round 24. The 28-year-old underwent contact training in Penrith for more than a week, and in in recent days NSW Cup players have tested the joint.
But Penrith are well aware they will face tougher traffic from Crichton and the Roosters on Friday night.
Crichton is regarded as one of the best in the game at targeting opposition set-pieces, giving Daly Cherry-Evans a boost at State of Origin this year. And when asked if he would take a similar approach to Cleary at BlueBet Stadium, the NSW second-row proved it was a natural. “We have to make sure he comes back,” Crichton said.
“A lot of game plans in the league are to run big players against smaller players. And Nathan is not a small guy. He is one of the best defenders in the competition.
“Every week you prepare for it. The third line goes to the halfback, it’s like that every game.
“So I have to prepare like I prepare for any other game. It’s always my job to try to neutralize the best player in the opposition. And he is the best player.”
Crichton’s plan to face Cleary creates a battle of stars on that side of the pitch, with Liam Martin also known to address the opposition media.
And the second line of the Rooster said that he did not expect everything to go as he wanted. “I’m really good friends with Nath, I have a lot of respect for him as a player and as a person,” Crichton said.
“When he’s fit, he’s the best player in the competition, without a doubt.
“It will be a great battle with myself, Marto, Kez and Nath. They are two very talented opponents and we are looking forward to it.”
Cleary is not expected to require painkillers to play after suffering from back instability in the pre-season.
But players like Roosters Spencer Leniu, who spent five years with Cleary at Penrith, believe the midback will have no trouble scoring in defence. “Every running back is giving Gus nightmares this year,” Leniu said.
“But I’m sure Nathan did everything in his power to be ready for this match.
“I had a front row seat to watch him prepare and he wouldn’t make the team if he knew he couldn’t face Sitili (Tupouniua) or Gus.”
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary said on Wednesday the club had never intended to wear the No.7 for more, until their first knockout game in the finals.
A win Friday night would send the Panthers into the preliminary final, potentially giving Cleary an extra 15 days of rest if he is kept on the ice.
“He’s in good shape and it was always the plan to play him this week,” said coach Cleary. “The stakes have been raised and we always want to pick our best team and it’s ready this week.”