Nathan Cleary doesn’t just listen to the voices in his head — he answers back.
Whether he’s in the heart of a sold-out State of Origin clash or standing tall in a grand final thriller, Cleary’s most crucial battle isn’t always with the opposition. It’s the ongoing war within — the constant self-talk that fuels the game’s most composed halfback.
“If I could shut off the voices in my head, I probably would,” Cleary admits with a grin. “But I can’t — so I’ve learned to work with them.”
The NSW No.7, who will match legends like Andrew Johns and Mitchell Pearce with his 16th Origin cap in Perth, describes a near-constant internal conversation that shapes every decision on and off the field.
“Honestly? I’d say I’ve constantly got a bit of a dialogue going back and forth in my head. Not just on the field, off it as well.”
It’s this mental habit — a blend of argument, encouragement, and self-awareness — that he believes helps him handle pressure like no other. It’s also a tool he’s worked hard to sharpen over the past decade.
“I’ve become more aware of my emotions and my thoughts. Those conversations help me manage the doubts. It’s not easy, but it’s how I flip the switch mentally.”
From bone broth and a carnivore diet to a pitch-black sleep sanctuary, every aspect of Cleary’s lifestyle is fine-tuned to give him an edge. But nothing plays a bigger role than his ability to manage his mind — especially when critics circle.
Despite his glittering resume — five grand finals, four premierships, three Origin series wins, and two Clive Churchill Medals — Cleary has faced ruthless scrutiny, particularly when it comes to his Origin performances.
His father, Ivan Cleary, even admitted in his autobiography that he once asked Brad Fittler not to pick Nathan in 2019, fearing he wasn’t ready.
But Fittler backed him. NSW won the series. And Nathan has never looked back — though he’s constantly looking inward.
“I’m still passionate about playing. But professionalism has changed things. I used to just play — now everything is planned, especially mentally.”
One of his proudest moments came in the 2023 NRL Grand Final, when Brisbane led 24-8 with 17 minutes remaining. Cleary’s earlier defensive lapses had contributed to the deficit. But what followed was a masterclass.
He scored, assisted, and directed Penrith to one of the greatest comebacks in rugby league history — a performance that legends like Johns, Thurston, and Lockyer hailed as the best 20 minutes of playmaking they’d ever seen.
“There was a little voice in my head late: ‘You’ve done pretty well, that might be it though.’ But I talked myself around. I’ve never been so in control of my mind.”
Mindfulness training has become a pillar of the Penrith system. But Cleary admits the internal battles never truly end.
“Some games, the conversation’s not so positive. But I’ve learned to catch that spark before it becomes a fire.”
With a new Origin chapter about to be written in Perth, Cleary’s mental resilience may once again be NSW’s greatest asset.
🗳️ POLL: Is Nathan Cleary the Greatest NSW Halfback of the Modern Era?
Cast your vote below!
- 🐐 Yes – He’s already the best we’ve seen since Joey Johns.
- 🧠 Not yet – He’s elite, but needs more iconic Origin moments.
- ⏳ Too early to tell – Let’s see where he finishes.
- 🙅♂️ No – Others like Johns or even Pearce had tougher careers.
➡️ Comment and tell us why you voted!
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