Ivan Cleary has warned his son Nathan is still four years from his absolute prime despite being voted as the game's best player by his peers.
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The Penrith halfback showed on Friday night why a poll of players this week had him as the NRL's best, kicking the Sydney Roosters into submission.
Cleary set up two tries, scored one and ensured Penrith would have 94 per cent of the ball in a key 20-minute period before halftime in the 38-12 win.
The match was the best in Cleary's stellar year, but at age 23 coach Ivan claims he is still far from a finished product.
"I think he is working harder now than ever which is a challenge in itself. He works so hard," Ivan said.
"He is seeing the game better. It takes a while for the game to slow down.
"The good news is we are probably three or four years away from his best. So I hope it keeps going."
The Panthers No.7 led Dally M voting when it went behind closed doors in round 13, and was easily the best on field in his first game since than.
The Nine Media player poll had 33 per cent of respondents showing Cleary as No.1, ahead of Tom Trbojevic and James Tedesco.
His performance against the Roosters was also emblematic of the way Penrith's players have rebounded out of Origin and the confidence they will take into Game II next Sunday.
Liam Martin also had his best game of the year against the Roosters, leading almost every kick chase like he was fighting for his Origin spot.
Brian To'o bagged a double while Jarome Luai was again dangerous on the left edge, while Kurt Capewell and Isaah Yeo were both solid
"It was a good week because often during this period the Origin boys can't train, but the way it worked out they were all able train every time we trained," Ivan said.
"There was a big continuity to our team this week. It was just like normal.
"They all put Origin out of their mind, which is a challenge in itself. So they should be congratulated for that."
Australian Associated Press
