Nathan Cleary cannot envision Ivan leading the NSW Origin team.

In light of Blues officials’ ongoing search for Brad Fittler’s replacement, Nathan Cleary does not think his father Ivan would want to simultaneously coach Penrith and NSW.

In an effort to ensure the best candidate fills the position, NSW has not completely ruled out allowing a club coach to apply.

If Ivan Cleary put his name forward for the position, his application would need to be taken seriously.

The 52-year-old found a way to consistently get the best out of several regulars in NSW’s State of Origin team and has won three straight premierships with the Panthers.

One of the best bench players in the NRL, he was included in the Blues lineup for Origin III by his close friend Fittler.

The Panthers coach would be a “good fit,” according to Penrith and NSW five-eighth Jarome Luai, who supported the possibility of a Blues call-up this week.

But when asked on Thursday if he wanted to see his father assume the position, Nathan Cleary said he didn’t think Ivan would want to hold two jobs.

Dad wouldn’t likely act in that way, according to Cleary.

I’m unsure of Fittler’s replacement.
We’ll have to wait and see. “.

The halfback’s remarks encapsulate the problem that NSW Rugby League officials are facing.

Only Wayne Bennett has played both club and State of Origin football in the last ten years, and that was because the series was played after the 2020 NRL season, which was affected by COVID.

Despite emerging as the early front-runner, Ricky Stuart is already out of the running as he concentrates on a young Canberra team.

Despite the fact that all three of his previous series as NSW coach, from 2008 to 2010, were losses, Craig Bellamy is still a possibility.

However, Bellamy has previously stated 2024 will be his final season serving as Melbourne’s full-time coach.
He has not yet made any public comments on the subject.

After earlier this week expressing interest in going back to New South Wales after overseeing the final of his five Origin series in 2017, Laurie Daley is still among the front-runners.

As a former Daley assistant and former Blues player who played eight games for the team between 1989 and 1992, John Cartwright has also expressed interest.

After six years in charge for three series victories, Nathan Cleary expressed surprise at Fittler’s decision to decline a job offer.

In the coming days, Cleary said, “I’ll probably get in touch with him and thank him for what he’s done for my game.”.

“He has exhibited a great deal of faith in me, even when I was a young person and succeeding.
I’m very impressed with him.
“.