Dad won't make it personal: Nathan Cleary

Jul 28, 2017 - 10:00 AM The banter may have already begun at home, but Penrith whizkid Nathan Cleary is adamant dad Ivan won't make next week's Cleary showdown a personal affair.

Ivan will coach against his son when the Wests Tigers' clash against the Panthers.

"It's been mentioned. We just joked about it today before the game and said we'll see what happens this week," Nathan said after Thursday's win over Canterbury.

"I might not be getting fed."

In another family twist, Panthers winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak could go head-to-head with older brother Malakai, just weeks after the pair combined for a try in April.

Nathan insists Ivan's mid-season appointment at the Tigers hasn't changed their relationship, with his old man still a major influence in his career.

When the schedule allows, Ivan sits in the stands to watch him play and continues to provide pointers on where to improve the 19-year-old's game.

"It's still been the same. Maybe even moreso, we talk about footy in general," Nathan said.

"It's been massive for me. I can't really thank my dad enough. He's been really good for me and he's been keeping me grounded this year. I'm very appreciate of that.

"It's just always been the little things in my game - support, defence and all that. He definitely instilled that in me from an early age. I think that's helped in my rise to first grade."

Asked what he thought his dad would tell the Tigers players next week, Nathan said: "Probably tell them to smash me. I don't think he'll make it too personal.

"I might be a well-marked man next week. I don't think they'll put too much focus into me though. We've got great players all over the park."

Nathan also admits to now keeping a close eye on the Tigers, who he believes have steadily improved in the three months under his dad's watch.

"I try and watch them every week. As much as I don't go for any other teams, I do have a soft spot for them now. They're not having the best season, but hopefully they can turn it," he said.

Source: AAP