Cleary a fan of Thurston’s longevity

NATHAN Cleary was four years old learning his ABCs when Johnathan Thurston made his NRL debut and learning how to become one of rugby league’s future immortals.

Cleary has already felt the physical and emotional toll after 28 NRL games, and could not begin to comprehend what an amazing achievement it was for his opposite Thurston to reach the 300- club this weekend.

Provided Thurston survives tonight’s Origin clash with NSW, he will back up three days later to face the teen many expect to be the Blues’ future No. 7.

Cleary, 19, was not even in kindergarten when Thurston came off the bench for Canterbury in round 13, 2002, against the Panthers.

His dad, Ivan Cleary, was still playing in what would be his final year with the New Zealand Warriors.

“I’m on 28 games now and wondering how long I’ll have left, so it’s crazy to think of the players in that 300 club,’’ he said

“I’d love to get there one day, you need things to go your way, and touch wood hopefully it does for me.

“I haven’t played against JT yet. There’s not a lot he does wrong, he’s really tough, he’s always taking the ball into the line, and his kicking game is second to none. He’s a great player who is always putting people into holes and creating space for others.’’

Cleary said he had enjoyed the bye weekend, and the Panthers were in a good head space after collecting the maximum 12 points from the past six weeks with two byes and four straight wins.

The Panthers are now starting to play the kind of football most expected them to produce from Round 1.