Cleary’s head is clear

NATHAN Cleary will stay off social media this week in a bid to block out the external noise ahead of the highly anticipated showdown between his dad Ivan and his former club the Wests Tigers on Friday night.

The Panthers halfback is aware of the chatter but said going through the highly publicised affair last season had equipped him with mental strength ahead of the clash.

“There will be external noise,” Cleary said following his team’s 32-2 thumping against Melbourne on Saturday night. “There always is. At the moment I couldn’t care about that. I want to block that out and turn around the disappointing performance (against Melbourne).

“It’s up to us to turn it around. I’m used to (external noise) now. There has always been speculation. The whole of last year it was everywhere.

“I’ve got a lot better at blocking it out and focusing on my job. I haven’t been up to scratch the first three rounds. I have to focus on myself and the team. ”