'I don’t think they’ve ever been a great combination': Brad Fittler's bombshell revelation over Blues-Panthers' halves

NSW coach Brad Fittler has revealed he believes Panthers and Blues' halves Nathan Cleary and James Maloney have never been a successful combination.

Despite being paired by Fittler to orchestrate NSW's historic 2018 Origin title, Fittler revealed he has become increasingly unconvinced by the the partnership of late.

“I don’t think they’ve actually ever been a great combination,”Fittler said on NRL on Nine ahead of the Panthers’ clash with the Tigers.

“This was the thing with Penrith. If they become a good combination they become real dangerous.

“At the moment I think the balance isn’t quite right between James and Nathan and getting the share correct with the ball will only improve their team.

“Even during Origin. I think they played their role but I don’t think they were a great combination.

“We’ve seen some of the great combinations in the past and that is their next challenge, to be that combination.”

The news comes as Cleary finds himself under a mountain scrutiny after a slow start to the season.

NRL great Paul Vautin questioned whether the young gun was struggling with his father at the helm of his long-time club.

“What about Nathan Cleary, I’ve watched the first three games and I don’t want to be derogatory to players but he’s not the player he was last year or the year before,” Vautin said on Nine’s 100% Footy.

“Is there pressure on him because his dad's coach?”

That prompted Gould to leap to the defence of his prized young gun.

“He’s 21 and he’s heavily marked,” Gould retorted.

“No I don’t think that’s the pressure at all. I think it’s just the pressure of being Nathan Cleary.

“He’s heavily marked by opposition teams they know they’ve got to get to him and disrupt his kicking game. And you can’t do it if your forwards aren’t (firing).

“I’m sure if Ivan’s having any problem with that he’ll come and see me.