Cleary took the reins during a six-try first half from the Australians and benefitted accordingly,a rare off night from the kicking tee to start the only criticism that could be levelled at Penrith’s two-time premiership-winner.
Cherry-Evans looked a first receiver shuffled out of position at times as you’d expect,but still managed to challenge the line and shrug off defenders on his way to the Italian in-goal,territory the Australians became well-accustomed to as the contest wore on.
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When the Manly maestro moved into halfback after the break with a 30-0 lead,he was immediately in the thick of things with a fine offload for Isaah Yeo to finish off a long break by James Tedesco.
Cleary matched that with the best bit of playmaking of the night within minutes,piloting Liam Martin over with a peach of a short pass from five-eighth.
Tit-for-tat it went in regards to the biggest question remaining over Meninga’s squad,while Martin,Lindsay Collins and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui also furthered their claims for starts in Australia’s top forward rotation.