3 minute read
Nathan Cleary has told Parramatta's Jake Arthur to do all he can to block out trolls who claim nepotism, having battled similar critics early in his NRL career.
Penrith star Nathan Cleary has one piece of advice for Parramatta rookie Jake Arthur and that's do everything he can to block out the trolls.
Cleary and Arthur will likely battle this Friday night at BlueBet Stadium, but the pair already co-exist in one of the NRL's most exclusive clubs.
Cleary, Arthur, Billy Walters and Kyle Flanagan are the only current players to have had the experience of playing under their father.
Arthur is doing it toughest of them all under his dad Brad.
He has been selected at five-eighth and Dylan Brown shifted to centre as the Eels deal with a backline shortage, while injuries in the middle have prevented them from moving Ryan Matterson or Bryce Cartwright out wide.
The 19-year-old Arthur has suddenly become the man to blame for their flogging from North Queensland.
The abuse became so direct after Saturday's loss the Eels decided to defend the playmaker on social media.
His situation is far more difficult than what the Clearys experienced at Penrith.
Arthur is still fighting to prove himself in the NRL, debuting last year and considered a prospect of real potential.
In comparison, Cleary got a chance under Anthony Griffin a year after his father Ivan had been moved on.
When Cleary senior returned to the Panthers his son was the NSW State of Origin halfback.
But even then it wasn't easy as Penrith went 2-8 and external noise grew about the pair.
"The first year we were together was pretty difficult," Nathan Cleary said.
"It's definitely not been smooth sailing the whole time. It was tough at the start... But once we got through that it probably made us stronger."
What Cleary decided was most important was paying attention only to those in the club, and not outside criticism.
"It's just prioritising who you listen to," he said.
"That's the biggest thing I found. If you listen to the trolls all the time you go nowhere trying to please them.
"As for Jake's experience. It's hard when you're young.
"But I'm glad it happened to me at such a young age because it allowed me to grow through it and deal with it."'
Cleary's comments come after fellow former premiership winner Martin Lang defended Arthur, having spent his career playing under his father John.
"Jake Arthur is only 19 years of age and is a fine prospect," Lang said.
"I'd like to see the CVs of those behind the nepotism accusations. Miserable, jealous individuals who want nothing more than to discredit the coach."
Meanwhile, Penrith are likely to have winger Brian To'o and forward Moses Leota back for their clash with the Eels.
Young star Taylan May missed training through non-COVID related illness on Monday, but Ivan Cleary must decide whether to keep him or Charlie Staines on one wing.
