Kick it like Cleary with Throwback Thursdays
Long before Panthers star Nathan Cleary was slotting sideline conversions, his father Ivan was doing the same - starting out with a sand mound instead of a plastic tee.
It's Throwback Thursday and thanks to EISS Super, we're taking a look at Ivan Cleary's kicking prowess compared to his son.
Each week on the official NRL social channels - Instagram and Facebook - Throwback Thursday will showcase a blast from the past.
Cleary senior, now coaching halfback Nathan at ladder-leading Penrith, made his first-grade debut for Manly in 1992 and went on to play for the Bears, Roosters and Warriors over a 12-year career.
A definite sharpshooter, Ivan's goal-kicking success rate was 76.70% and in 1998 he set a then-record for most points in a season (284).
So with pedigree like that, it's no surprise that 22-year-old Nathan Cleary has become a premier marksman as well.
Cleary junior is outperforming his father at the moment, kicking at a success rate of 84.72% after four-and-a-half seasons at the Panthers.
Ivan Clearys playing stint at the Warriors
In 2017, the NSW Origin representative became the youngest player to score 200 points in a season with his haul of 228.
Given the duo are determined to secure Penrith's first title since 2003, Ivan surely won't mind that Nathan has bragging rights.
