Nathan Cleary. Photo: NRL Photos.

Former Penrith Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai has paid tribute to his ex-halves partner and good friend Nathan Cleary ahead of his 200th NRL game.

In an exclusive interview with the Weekender this week, the current Wests Tigers skipper said playing with Cleary for seven NRL seasons, as well as many years at junior level, is a period in his life that he still cherishes.

“It’s been a blessing for me to have played so many games alongside Clez,” Luai said on Tuesday evening.

“Everyone will remember the games on the big stage but, for me, the ones that I’ll really remember are the ones that came before.”

Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai in 2023. Photo: NRL Images.

Across all senior levels of the game, Cleary and Luai played 128 games together for a win percentage of 80 per cent.

And when they teamed up in first grade and went on a mesmerising four-title run, the duo were statistically the greatest halves pairing in rugby league history, with a staggering win percentage of 87.6 per cent.

Luai said Cleary’s success in the game, which sees him currently lead the race for this year’s Dally M Medal, can be put down to both his “character and work ethic”.

“His commitment to his team and the game is contagious and his success has been a byproduct of his character and work ethic,” Luai said.

“It’s been an awesome start to the year for the Panthers and I’m sure they’ll get job done for their skipper. Happy 200th, always love to my bro.”

Jarome Luai’s tribute to Nathan Cleary.

Fellow four-time Premiership winner Moses Leota also spoke very highly of his superstar halfback at the Panthers Academy on Tuesday afternoon.

Leota and Cleary have quite a unique connection, with the pair making their NRL debuts in 2016 just one week apart from each other.

“I don’t really remember too much from back then, but I do know that I debuted a week after him,” Leota told the Weekender.

“Clez has been part of my journey since the start, so it’s been good to have him on this ride.”

Moses Leota chats with Nathan Taylor. Photo: Melinda Jane.

While the two debuted in first grade at the same time under former coach Anthony Griffin, Cleary did it at just 18-years-old while Leota was nearly 21.

“I always knew he was a talent coming through the grades. He’s two years younger than me but played in my age group, so that says a lot about his talent,” Leota said.

“He went on to play Australian Schoolboys and debuted at 18, which goes to show how much talent he had. The club knew what he was destined for.”

Moses Leota pays tribute to Nathan Cleary.

Leota said his favourite memory with Cleary across 199 NRL games was when the two-time Clive Churchill Medallist passed him the ball, which led to a try during the incredible 2023 Grand Final comeback.

The representative prop said he could literally talk all day about how much he admires Cleary and everything that he does in attack and defence.

“He’s a great leader and he gives us confidence when he’s playing,” Leota said.

“Everything comes off him and when we’re doing our job, it sort of gives him the freedom to do his. He always makes the right pass or the right kick – he’s a talent.”

Current Panthers five-eighth Blaize Talagi still pinches himself every week that he gets to play alongside one of the best halves in the history of the game.

On the eve of Cleary’s milestone match against the Bulldogs on Thursday, 21-year-old Talagi said getting the opportunity to play with the four-time premiership winner was one of the big reasons he decided to switch from the Eels to the Panthers last season.

Nathan Cleary and Blaize Talagi. Photo: NRL Photos.

“Yeah for sure! Him and the other leaders in the team were definitely one of the main reasons I made the switch,” he said.

“Knowing those boys can lead the way and sort of take pressure off myself was definitely a big factor.”

Talagi and Cleary haven’t even played 30 games together yet, but they are already one of the most formidable halves combinations in the NRL.

The Samoan international said playing with Cleary is always “such a cool experience”.

“Only a few years ago I was watching him on the big screen and now I play alongside him – it’s awesome!” Talagi said.

“Just watching him, seeing what he does, learning from him on and off the field. I’m just really grateful to share the field with him.”

Blaize Talagi’s tribute to Nathan Cleary.

Cleary is famous for his meticulous preparation in the lead up to matches, with Talagi revealing that’s the one big lesson that he’s taken from being around the champion halfback these past 18 months.

“There’s not too many things people don’t know about him, but one thing that stands out for me being around him is the way he preps and how detailed he is,” Talagi said.

“I know everyone says it but he really does do it. He’s always the last one to come off the field and he’s just so detailed in everything he does.”

Nathan Taylor

Nathan Taylor is the Weekender’s Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.