Angus Crichton seemed hellbent on making Daly Cherry-Evans’ State of Origin experiences as miserable as possible this year.
The New South Wales backrower made it his personal mission to single out the Queensland halfback for plenty of punishment during the Blues’ comeback series victory earlier this season.
At every opportunity, the 28-year-old targeted the QLD captain in the defensive line as he looked to terrorise on the edge.
And the tactic clearly worked with Crichton finishing with two linebreak assists, an average of over 150 run metres per game, 200 post-contact metres, 10 offloads and 14 tackle busts for the series.
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‘He’s my bodyguard’: Panthers enforcer laughs off possible Nathan Cleary ambush
When the Sydney Roosters take on Penrith in the first qualifying final on Friday night, it’s expected the reigning Brad Fittler Medallist will adopt a similar mindset when he comes up against NSW teammate Nathan Cleary.
The Panthers named the No.7 to return from a shoulder injury on Tuesday for the crucial clash after he has been forced to watch on from the sidelines for the past few games.
Cleary suffered the issue in the closing stages of the match against Melbourne in Round 24, which continued his injury-plagued campaign.
The halfback missed the entirety of the Origin series due to a hamstring injury but returned late in the season to remind everyone of his quality.
Cleary produced a game-winning two-point field goal against the Dolphins in his first match back from a long layoff in Round 20, before he went on to star in three more wins for the club.
Yet despite the imposing task that awaits him in the form of Crichton, fellow Blues star Liam Martin appeared unconcerned when addressing the media.
"It wouldn't surprise me if big Gus is flying into him," Martin smiled.
"I'll be there to help but he doesn't need it, he reckons he's my bodyguard."
Cleary was put through his paces at the beginning of the week as he faced several NSW Cup forwards running at his left shoulder.
He will be required to get through another opposed session later in the week before he is dropped back into the Panthers side as they aim to win their fourth premiership in a row.
And the playmaker will be as vital as ever with his magic performance in the closing stages of last year’s decider against Brisbane still living long in the memory.
"I'd like to call him soft but no, he's as tough as they come," Martin added.
"That grand final just demonstrates that he has that will power to win and it's pretty inspiring for the rest of us."
