Cleary ready for idol Johnson

Опубликованно 21.08.2020 10:18

On Friday night, the Penrith halfback will take on his childhood hero when his table-topping Panthers host the Cronulla Sharks.

Cleary devoted hours to watching Johnson strut his stuff at Warriors training, hoping one day to emulate his silky skills on the NRL stage.

“Shaun was my favourite player,” Cleary said about Johnson during his time in Auckland during his dad’s five-year stint at the helm of the Warriors.

“Obviously, I loved Andrew Johns and Johnathan Thurston, but I was a pretty diehard Warriors supporter growing up.

“I was a big fan of Shaun and I was in awe of him. I got to go to training and watch him, so it is always pretty cool coming up against him on the field now.

“It is always good to chat to him after games. I think he knows I was a big fan of his growing up.

“I think I have an old photo decked out in all the Warriors kit – which is pretty funny - I’ve definitely got a little soft spot for them.”

Cleary’s Panthers are gunning for a record 10th straight win when they take on Cronulla, but it won’t be easy with Johnson in fine form.

On the back of the New Zealand star, the Sharks are sitting in seventh position as they hunt down as finals position.

Cleary is wary of Johnson tearing Penrith apart with his fleet-footed skills.

“Our defence will have to be good,” he said.

“I’ve always loved coming up against Shaun.

“He is an absolute gun and I grew up watching him and how he goes about things.

“I’ve always thought he was a freak.

“He has been killing it, too, so it will be a pretty good match up and something I’m looking forward to.”

WINNING IS MORE FUN

Категория: АвтоМотоСпорт