Cleary in reach of Walker, says Luke

LUKE Keary has paid halves partner Sam Walker the ultimate compliment, declaring the 20-year-old has what it takes to be as good as Panthers star Nathan Cleary.

It’s the sort of statement that can be fraught with danger if it comes from the wrong place, but Keary is essentially his bigger brother and has all the confidence in the world that Walker will rise to become one of the great playmakers.

“Definitely,” Keary replied when asked if Walker could reach Cleary’s level.

“He has all the skill attributes, the mind, he knows footy. He’s got the stuff to be that guy. Obviously, to be that guy it takes a lot of hard work and consistency over a long period of time.

“They are very different players, but they have had similar upbringings. Sammy has spent a lot of time around footy teams, same as Nathan. It definitely helps your progression.

“He’s got a high ceiling. It’s just like Nathan. You come in at that age and you earn a jersey at a club like this, you can go a long, long way. He’s in a similar situation to Nathan.

“Whatever he does with that, we will see in the next four or five years.”

Walker still has a way to go if he wants to be compared to Cleary, who has won a premiership, represented his state and is on track to headline Australia’s World Cup squad all before his 25th birthday.

But the young Rooster is on the right path and heads into the finals full of confidence, with 15 try assists and seven tries, having not missed a game in his second season.

“I don’t think I play like any other half in the NRL,” Walker said.

“For me, it’s about executing my plays and playing the best footy I can. My goal at the moment is just to win the grand final in four weeks.”