Champion NSW halfback, Nathan Cleary, says a change to his training regime has been critical in maintaining his performance on the game’s biggest stages—and next week’s Origin decider is firmly in his sights.
Speaking from the NSW Blues open media day yesterday, Cleary revealed he has been supplementing his physical training load with a variety of mental training techniques.
“It’s something I’ve leaned into over the last 12 to 24 months,” Cleary said.
“Things like visualisation, meditation, journalling, anything to ease the mind when I can.”
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Cleary, 27, also explained the techniques have been critical in more effectively managing ongoing injury issues—most notably the grade 2 hamstring tear which cost him the entire 2024 Origin series and a significant part of the NRL season with the Panthers.
Less is more, explains Cleary
“After my hamstring injuries last year, it was about trying to minimise the physical reps I was doing,” Cleary said.
“It was a difficult thing to do (at first), sometimes substituting the physical reps for mental reps, but I think it does help.
“You still want to get the physical reps in as well,” he quickly added, assuring fans he isn’t giving up the gym altogether.
Cleary has been using visualisation techniques for some years now, particularly to assist with his goal kicking.
As far back as the 2019 NRL season, his then NSW Blues coach, Brad Fittler, noted Cleary’s willingness to embrace different methods to improve his game.
“He’s one of those kids, he’s open to suggestions, trying things and he doesn’t judge them too quickly,” Fittler said.
“He just works hard Nathan, he leaves nothing to chance.”