'The most confidence I've had': Cleary flying as Origin arrives

NSW halfback Nathan Cleary says he'll go into the Ampol State of Origin series in the best shape of his career.

Cleary's form over the past three months at the Panthers speaks for itself with Blues coach Brad Fittler's biggest challenge appearing to deciding who will partner the 23-year-old in the halves.

After battling a knee injury, mix form, and the aftermath of grand final defeat in the last three series involved, Cleary will go into his fourth campaign with a clearer mind.

The Panthers' incredible 12-0 start has set up the club's push towards another grand final appearance after the series, leaving Cleary with the chance to shift his focus to guiding the Blues.

Asked if the side's unbeaten run had made it easier for Cleary to immediately switch his attention to Origin, he said: "Yeah I think so, I absolutely love this club and put everything I can into it while I'm here.

"But if I get an opportunity to represent NSW I'm going to have to do the same for that.

"I think it's definitely the most confidence I've had going into an Origin series.

"But in saying that Origin is a whole other beast and I can't rely too much on that. I've got to put in the hard work and build the combinations.

"It's a challenge I'm looking forward to."

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary agreed his son was going into the State of Origin series in the strongest form he's been in.

"If I go off the last two years … 2019 he was out of form going in, which is really hard," Ivan said.

"And last year was completely different, end of the season.

"I think he's going in with a lot of confidence and understanding of what Origin is all about."

Fittler will name his squad on Sunday evening with every chance some of Cleary's teammates will also be selected.

Among those include Jarome Luai, who was part of the Blues extended squad last year but never featured.

Luai's biggest competitions in the No.6 jersey are Canberra's Jack Wighton and South Sydney playmaker Cody Walker.

"There's some outstanding candidates in that position but to answer the question I definitely think he's done enough," Ivan said of Luai.

"He's played consistently well for two years and brings more than just his own individual skill.

"He energises our team and competes hard. He is definitely one guy who would not let the boys down."