Nathan Cleary was responsible for Reece Walsh’s biggest rugby league heartbreak in the 2023 decider, but he has noticed a big change in his Kangaroos teammate’s game during the Ashes Tour.

Cleary led the Panthers to the greatest Grand Final comeback in history with a stunning 20 minutes in the 2023 decider, that was hailed the greatest performance in a title match at the time.

But it didn’t take Walsh long to usurp him, after guiding the Broncos to their own miracle comeback from 22-10 down at half-time to clinch the 2025 premiership two years later.

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Walsh scored a try, had a hand in two others and saved at least four certain tries to win the Clive Churchill Medal and a drought-breaking Broncos title earlier this month.

He backed that up with a man-of-the-match performance in his Kangaroos debut last week, scoring two tries and saving another couple to lead Australia to a 26-6 victory and a 1-0 Ashes series lead.

The freakish fullback also helped knock the Panthers out of the finals in a preliminary final comeback victory from 14 points down, to end their four year NRL dynasty.

Cleary told The Sydney Morning Herald, that he has noticed a massive improvement in Walsh’s defence this season and that has been hammered home in the early stages of the Ashes Tour.

“He’s certainly improved that,” Cleary told The Sydney Morning Herald.

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Nathan Cleary has been impressed by Walsh’s improved defence.Source: AP

“I think he’s realised just how important defence is in the game, particularly in big games. He had some big defensive plays today and again in the grand final.

“I think that’s why my respect [from] watching him has gone through the roof. He’s actually valuing defence now, too.

“We all know his attack and X-factor there. But his defence has gone through the roof, and that’s important.”

Cleary has played against Walsh his whole career for the Warriors and Broncos, which includes 48 tries and 124 goals in 95 NRL games, as well as five Origins for Queensland.

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After admiring him from the other side of the field and on the TV, Cleary has relished the chance to finally rub shoulders with Walsh on the same team, in attack as well as defence.

“He’s a freak, mate, honestly,” Cleary said.

“It’s been enjoyable to watch from afar, although sometimes he’s carving me up.

So, to have him on my side, there’s not many players in this game who can just break open a game like he does. He did it multiple times. I really enjoyed playing with him [for Australia].”