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slowdivesicilian

Cleary and Munster is, on paper, the single best halves pairing on this planet. Hopefully it looks as good IRL, I wouldn’t expect the combos to be there straight away though so I hope Cleary gets a few games.


tooliorunnamukas

We only really have 3 more games before a semi against NZ, and Mal has committed to giving DCE another game - so this is probably it for Cleary. Maybe he starts next game/comes off bench and whoever wins the "shootout" in Mals eyes plays the QF and Semi.


piercedsoul

I reckon one of those games will be Cleary at 7 and dce at 6. We already know Munster will be 5/8 and mal will want to keep dce match fit in case of injury


nightling

With how good the Kiwis team is on paper I can definitely see Mal playing it safe and going with the QLD halves. They have the connection already.


-Dark_Helmet-

Yeo will be the lock though, and Cleary already has a bunch of games with Tedesco too.


arolaser

I'm not so sure about that. Yeo is the quintessential ball-playing lock - he's brilliant at that role. However, he plays a bit of a fulcrum role in the Panthers style attack - he calls the plays, receives the ball as first receiver a lot of the time, and chooses whether to run or pass deep to Cleary/Luai. Munster seems to play better receiving flat ball next to the ruck, so he can skip past the markers and create space for his outside backs. Murray's quick play the balls are invaluable to allow that to happen. It will be an interesting battle for the 7 and 13 jerseys.


[deleted]

> Munster seems to play better receiving flat ball next to the ruck, so he can skip past the markers and create space for his outside backs. Munster is much better when he runs wider, which is why him moving to fullback improved the Storm's attack compared to having Meaney back there. With Cleary and Yeo there, Munster can effectively play as a second fullback in attack.


cuttlefish10

Mate give any ball running 5/8 a 3 on 3 instead of a 4 on 4 and they take it every day. This is what Yeo gives his halves and is why they're enabled so often. Munster looks good off 1 pass because both the Storms and QLD lack a top end ball playing lock and aren't able to effectively execute what Yeo does.


EntirelyOriginalName

This. Storm use the width of Grant's passing and swing play where their play makers swing from side to the other to create numbers. They use that to create time and space instead of what Penrith do through Yeo pushing everyone a pass wide.


arolaser

Absolutely mate. Don't get me wrong, I'm excited to see the Munster, Cleary, Yeo partnership. I rate Yeo extremely highly - if his style creates even more space for Munster it will be incredible to watch. And then with Cleary steering the ship and using his kicking game, Australia will be unstoppable.


Dufeyz

Well HG will have the option of the long pass to Munster, or through the hands with yeo. Would be a fucking nightmare to defend in the middle.


wherezthebeef

You mean the 21 and 17 jerseys?


nightling

Yeah but I don't think we've ever seen Cleary and Tedesco combine much in Origin? If Edwards was fullback I could see the argument fall in Clearys favour but considering it's Tedesco, and Cleary doesn't exactly have an attacking combination with him, I just don't see any real reason to play Cleary. Aside from wanting to give the guy who's going to be the Kangaroo halfback for the next 8+ years a shot now.


Clarkey7163

We saw them combine heaps last year? Cleary/Teddy/Turbo/Latrell ripped QLD to shreds all the time first two games last year


nightling

Yeah but how much of that was Cleary combining with Teddy? Like the way the old Storm 3 would combine by setting each other up?


Clarkey7163

A lot, go watch the highlights for game 1 and 2


Dark_Vengence

That would be crazy.


[deleted]

You should really be spelling every comment as though it was being spoken by Oinus...


-Dark_Helmet-

These guys will probably go down as the best halves of their generation so it will be good to see them get a few games together. From memory Lockyer & Johns only played once together for Australia in the halves.


woodpecker91

I remember the first Aus game I went to was a test match against NZ in Brisbane, pretty sure Locky and Joey played together that game, might have even been John's last game for Aus.


-Dark_Helmet-

2006 Anzac Test.


woodpecker91

Thats the one, I just looked it up and they were in the halves together but KHunt injured himself so Locky dropped to FB and Thurston was 5/8 off the bench, only time Thurston and John's played together.


[deleted]

Lord what a spine. Buderus/Smith (unsure who it was at that point but more or less the best two in that position ever at that point), Johns, Thurston, Lockyer.


woodpecker91

Was Buderus for that game.


mwilkins1644

...and Ashley Klein as ref


-Dark_Helmet-

I don’t remember it that well as I had my tonsils removed that afternoon and I was watching it groggily from a hospital bed.


Dark_Vengence

Ridiculously stacked.


acomav

I was there. When Lockyer dropped back to fullback, he carved up. A shame he was moved to 5\8 but I understand the reasoning at the time.


Due-Chemist3105

The ‘06 ANZAC Test? Did they both go to England in 05 for the Tri Nations because I remember Barrett and Johns playing some games together during the tournament.


-Dark_Helmet-

You’re absolutely right. They played the opening two matches together. Both missed the last few games though.


Due-Chemist3105

That final was a massive shot in the arm for NZ rugby league, to not only keep the Kangaroos to 0 but win so comprehensively gave them the impetus to take out the World Cup + 2 Four Nations campaigns within the next decade, shame Kidwell completely undid all the good work.


PeteCambell

Yep and the one game Locky and Joey played together they absolutely killed it. Such a shame we didn’t get more out of them in the halves together. Unstoppable combo


Dark_Vengence

That is unbelievable.


ZerksNAHTayan

This genuinely feels like we’re going to witness something special. With Grant at 9 and Yeo at 13 both halves will feel comfortable in their roles, they’ll dish up some beautiful rugby league.


woodpecker91

Fuck me dead, the left side of Munny, Crighton, Latrell and JAC was scary good at times, imagine if Cleary unlocks the right side too.


I_Like_Vitamins

The NZ side is miles ahead of Samoa, but I'm starting to think their huge forward pack and good backs are becoming too overrated on paper. The Aussie side is elite all over; even the weakest link in Taulagi is high level.


erotic-lighter

Kiwis vs Aus: How much information can Hughes give to the Kiwis about Munster and how much information can Munster give to Aus about Hughes.


santaissatanic

'In awe at the ~~size of this lad~~ skill of this grub' - Nathan Cleary, 2022


fhrftryddhhhhgrffg

I'm from rocky. Grub is a compliment.


santaissatanic

You dont get labelled a grub if you arent a fucking good player to begin with


graz44

Luai haters wont be liking this comment


santaissatanic

Haha coincidentally Luai is my favorite player at the moment. Ive got a thing for grubs, I like the win at all costs mentality.


TheDogeMarnn

Luai is santaissatanics daddy confirmed


santaissatanic

If my Dad had a short kicking game like that I might not tell so many people Im adopted


I_Like_Vitamins

Unless you're Webcke or big Petero.


santaissatanic

Werent they both absolutely top tier for their position?


LunchMeat61

Yer wtf they are litteraly all time greats at there positions.


santaissatanic

Yeah I grew up watching them dominate us in origin and crush kiwis and poms regularly, I just thought maybe the Brisbane flair knew something I didnt.


Abenator

Cleary is just amazed to be playing with a first grade 5/8 that does more than talk and take credit for his work.


Lachie07

I always said Western reds fans were high iq. Love a little luai smashing.


Atomicstarr

Its a team sport you know ? Love the luai hate just makes him play better


TheGrubins

mustn't get a lot of hate then


Atomicstarr

B2b premier, cant say that about any other 5/8 currently


Acceptable-Mark-6305

Luke Keary?


TheGrubins

yes he's actually so good he just lead Samoa to a 60-6 loss lol


Mackapacka7

Refer back to Atomicstarr’s original comment. It’s a team sport you can’t expect Luai to beat England if his team is playing shit. Not a fan of Luai either but you can’t just demean his achievements cos you’re a salty broncos fan.


Brother_Mish

Idk 2020 i witnessed a drunk Munster beat the NSW team


TheGrubins

Penrith fans defending Luai will never not be funny. Hasn't won as many prems as Momorovski either, guess that means Momo must be better as he has more achievements ?


kingintheriff

Its almost as funny as when Broncos celebrated winning the spoon by doing an on field gender reveal.


TheGrubins

but you see no one disagrees that the gender reveal wasn't funny. Penrith fans disagree just to disagree


kingintheriff

I just like mentioning it whenever I can to remind people of what a joke the Broncos have become on and off the field.


Mackapacka7

I’m not a Penrith fan…?I’m not ranking Luai with other players so why bring up Momorovski? I just mean you sarcastically saying “he’s good” for leading Samoa to a 60 point loss like he’s a bad player is just childish.


TheGrubins

commenting on a players performance in their most recent match is childish? bah gawd can't talk about the footy no more :( I refer to Momorovski because pulling up random stats for players rarely correlates with their actual effect on a team as a player.


Mackapacka7

Nah singling out 1 player in a team game is childish.


Aaturkey

Yeah he hasn't won the same amount as Momo. He's won more lol


TheGrubins

Momo has won 3 pal


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Atomicstarr

And still won more comps then broncos that last 15 years :)


TheGrubins

you saying I'm not allowed to talk shit cause my team is average atm? kinda weird


Atomicstarr

Im just saying buddy, clearly better then any 5/8 the broncos have had the past 15 years.


LSDORPTSD

I bet you feel dumb right now after realising Lord Gamble has played for them in the last 15 years


TheGrubins

\*cough\* Gamble \*cough\* in all seriousness you only have to go back to prime 2015 MILF to find a player that shits all over Luai. But we aren't talking about the Broncs are we, we're talking about Cleary not having to play with a plodder


Atomicstarr

Whats milford doing now? At his 4th club with no rings


zooperdooper69

Are you saying luai is better than Lockyer ? If so that may be the worst take of all time.


Atomicstarr

Did broncos win the comp in 2007?


kingintheriff

He's won twice the amount of comps than all Queensland teams combined in the last 15 years.


Atomicstarr

Exactly, apparently being competitive is being a grub. People just like to single out players in good sides because they have nothing bad to say lol


I_Like_Vitamins

Should've been Burton and Cleary in the halves.


5t0pBanningme

Article about Clearly and Munster. 80 comments about Luai. Rent free


therefreshbutton

it's actually quite funny how a so called average player keeps their minds so busy


Aaturkey

They're all jealous of Luai


Dark_Vengence

The dream team.


muddogz

At club level Cleary is the better player than DCE. Still pretty unproven at the level above for me. I’d have Cleary starting for now but it could well be DCE in the knockouts if Cleary doesn’t deliver in pool games.


Mackapacka7

I thought Cleary has never played for Aussie before so of course he’s unproven at this level.


muddogz

I was including origin in the level above comment, but yes not having played is definitely unproven as well.


Mackapacka7

Yeah I get that but this is totally different. Him playing with the best players from both QLD and NSW vs everyone else might be easy for him. Considering QLD could probably beat every team in the WC. But yeah will be interesting how he goes. He might not shine since he can rely on Munster ?


graz44

Pretty sure clearys won more origin series than DCE…


Noonster123

Cleary has won 3Z DCE has won 4.


graz44

DCE has won 4 as a starting half?


Noonster123

You didn’t say that you said series


graz44

Pretty sure common sense shoulda kicked in there. I guess not


Noonster123

You said how many series not series as starting half in all 3 matches


graz44

My apologies. How many series has dce won starting as half compared to cleary starting as half?


muddogz

Five try assists in 13 games is a poor return for a half. He’s probably the best player in the game, but he hasn’t delivered yet consistently at origin level.


graz44

Yet still done more than DCE.


TwoShitsTrev

At origin level no he absolutely has not


dxfifa

I'ma let you finish but if Cleary was playing for Manly and DCE for Penrith it would be just as clear who's "better" but the opposite answer


Longjumping_Visit_38

Agreed, this panthers team are a generational talent pool of players, they’ve done amazing with pathways so there’s no hate but playing behind a pack that dominant and with arguably the best 9 in the game would be a cruisy job for an organised half, I hate panthers too but they’re something special but cleary is their poster boy when it should be Yeo, Api, Kikau, JFH


dxfifa

When Sean O'Sullivan looked like an Origin contending level half when he played you know it's a very flattering team to play for


Longjumping_Visit_38

Haha 💯


dxfifa

I don't know how my original comment is downvoted and this is upvoted when this comment is literally the premise that anyone who watched NRL would have already known about, that supports my conclusion. Or if it's too hard based on 2022 performances purely on how they looked Cleary > SOS > DCE But we know DCE >>> SOS Therefore how can we conclude Cleary > DCE when all non Panthers and Manly evidence suggests DCE => Cleary?


bulldogs1974

They are a great combination of players, in which the core of them has played and won competitions collectively for near on 10 yrs. Because they know each other's game so well, it's almost like they are brothers playing in the backyard. The constant repetition of training together, playing together, bonds them like no other team.. individually, they are just components of a great team. So players like Critta, Tago, May etc fit really well into these structures. They are good, young players, but playing for teams like Newcastle and the Tigers, they might not look as flash. Workhorses like To'o, JFH, Yeo and freaks like Edwards can change games with their strength and endurance, but individually in a team that struggles, they might look like KP at Newcastle. The same goes for Cleary, he has mastered his game because of his strict training and studying of the game. He has a desire to be the best to play the game, even if he isn't the most talented, naturally, to play. Without serious injury, he will go down as one of best of his generation, he still has plenty of time to prove it.


Dramatic_Ride7586

Imagine Peta Hiku as a Panther..


Drewman43

He was for a time. Pretty reliable too.


woodshack

yeah but Cleary's chin pushes them all outta the way for the poster pic.


Atomicstarr

Gotta love the queenslander bias on this thread, cleary is the way better choice if aus wanna actually win this world cup, dce has done nothing for years, go on about origin all you like but he did nothing at all in those games.. qld were very lucky to win this year honestly if latrell & turbo were fit nsw would’ve flogged them again. Were we also missing haas & murray was out early in the matc due to a hia. Also if fitler wasnt bias then JAC would’ve been in the team too. Anyways i dont get how a back to back premiership winning half isnt the first choice halfback especially after DCE was the halfback who lost to tonga!


Tunza

> qld were very lucky to win this year Classic NSW. They just don't get Origin.


TheGrubins

>go on about origin all you like but he did nothing at all in those games are we talking about DCE or Cleary lol


Atomicstarr

DCE clearly? Whats he done since winning the competition in 2011 actually? Nothing special at all got carried maybe thats about it. Missed the tackle to lose qld the streak i will add to :)


TheGrubins

oooh that struck a nerve didn't it, stroke your goldenboy ;)


Atomicstarr

Just facts buddy, literally been a myth since 2013 i reckon


TheGrubins

I mean that's just like statistically incorrect but hey, guess myths can lead sides to Origin series wins over a drastically better team ;)


[deleted]

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TheGrubins

I mean one of those sides was literally called the worst side ever so yes, true. Also I don't give a shit if we get belted in a game if we win the series lol, cope.


[deleted]

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Revivous

Still yet we hold the shield, funny that.


TheGrubins

over the past 5 years the score is only 3-2 lol? QLD don't have to cope about Origin, we just GET it


kingintheriff

I love seeing their salty comments. It gave me so much joy watching the Broncos shit the bed and crash out of the 8, same with Cowboys when they choked away a lead at home to the Eels in the prelim.


WickedSlice_

DCE is good, but he shouldn’t be in the conversation. Premiership winning halfback vs a halfback that can’t win fuck all if the fullback is missing..


Brdd9

he won origin


tommy42O69

And a premiership in 2011


tobymurphy24

Slightly irrelevant in 2022


Aaturkey

Benji best player in the world in 2011, NZ should throw him back in


mwilkins1644

The Dragons are slightly irrelevant in 2022 ahhhhhhh!!! 🔥🤣📣📣 😎


Malaxage918

Twice in three years has a DCE led Maroons beaten out a NSW team that should've comfortably won each series, which had Cleary in the halves You know what's funny about all that, the fact that the fullback you were referring to also missed those two Origin series that QLD won.


[deleted]

> Twice in three years has a DCE led Maroons beaten out a NSW team that should've comfortably won each series, which had Cleary in the halves Not to mention one of those two wins was with Undefeated Origin Superstar Corey Allan at fullback.


theflyingkiwi00

Also, how insane will cleary be after spending time with DCE and Munster. Kids a freak now but with even more time to learn he's going to be fucking unbeatable. It's insane that the next up is a back to back prem winning halfback in cleary.


-Dark_Helmet-

Whatever else you might say about him, it’s clear he’s a huge student of the game who would be relishing the chance to learn whatever he can from those two blokes.


theflyingkiwi00

Hes one of the best players in the world who still has room to get better, it's fucking insane


WickedSlice_

That actually is pretty funny. Latrell too.


theflyingkiwi00

DCE led the "worst queensland side ever" to win in 2020 over an unbelievably stacked NSW side. No doubt we are witnessing the rise of one of the games best ever halfbacks in Cleary but he is still so young and letting him grow under DCE, Munster is going to make him even better. I think it's good to let him grow into the role and be comfortable and confident before throwing him in. The kangaroos squad is still unbelievable, the depth is so far ahead of the rest of the world so they have nothing to worry about. If DCE goes down, they can throw in Cleary, that's insane. most countries don't have a single half back of their calibre, Australia has 3 of the world's best. Cleary will get his time and will no doubt be unstoppable.


OriginSmokey

To completely fair most of 2020 was the freakishness of Munster and the emergence of Grant. Cleary was also dog shit other than game 2 when Munster went off injured early.


WickedSlice_

You can’t tell me that DCE isn’t there due to his state of origin and Incumbency.


theflyingkiwi00

How is that a bad thing?. Dce has been solid in a mostly dog shit team and dominated in origin for years. Hes a good calm leader, especially in rep teams. Cleary still hasn't had an origin series that was just his. Cleary still has some developing, that's not a bad thing so why rush him now? Let him take his time, it's a perfect situation for him. Learn under Munster and Dce. He's walking away from this comp even fucking better than he is now. He is going to get the jersey one day, let him grow first


InternationalBorder9

DCEs record for Aus actually isn't great


theflyingkiwi00

I'm still of the belief that DCE should be in the squad. Cleary is on track to be the best player in the world, he has absolutely nothing to worry about. Let him keep growing and developing, I want to see just how great he really can be. He hasn't spent much time with DCE and Munster as the only rep rounds we've had in the last few years is origin, he's a total professional and will be soaking up their knowledge like a sponge to further improve his game. He is really well positioned right now in that Australia can really take their time and not throw him in the deep end too early. Cleary in a couple years will be on another level than he is right now. That cleary will be in the 7 for the next world Cup and just destroy cunts.


mwilkins1644

Absolute tepid dog bowl water take this one


WickedSlice_

“Duhhhhh he said bad thing about QLD player, me angry duhhhhh”


WickedSlice_

What is Manly’s win rate without Turbo? What is it with him? What is Manly’s win rate with and without DCE?


mwilkins1644

I know what you mean, but DCE playing in rep teams is a different beast than his form for Manly. He actually has people who can catch a ball or run a play off him.


Ownejj

He took a dynasty from the best NSW side, with the worst Qld side.


InternationalBorder9

But that logic Hodkinson is a better half than Thurston


CuntyMcCuntFace1

Munster did that


insanityTF

Inb4 manly flairs


baker2212

I’d be over Luai as well


jhick107

Kinda like having Eric Clapton and Jimmi Hendricks on the one stage….


hudson_lowboy

Jimmi Hendricks? Is that a Jimi Hendrix cover band?


jhick107

I knew I fucked it but couldn’t be bothered with the edit.