Expert tips: NSW, Penrith teammate tipped to rain on Cleary parade as Blues coach hits back at criticism of halfback

Many critics say Nathan Cleary has to step up and dominate Wednesday's State of Origin decider to cement his place in rugby league folklore.

The four-time premiership Panther is arguably yet to dominate an Origin game like other famous halfbacks have done - like Andrew Johns did 20 years ago.

Cleary has the chance to confirm his immortality but Blues assistant coach Matt King believes it doesn't matter what happens on Wednesday.

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IN PICTURES: History tells us who will dominate the State of Origin decider

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"Nathan's a very calm and collected human being, it's been a pleasure of mine to work with him," King told media on game day.

"He's an exceptional young man and he goes about his business with a diligence I haven't seen before to be honest, and I played with Cameron (Smith) and Cooper (Cronk) and Billy (Slater), I've seen the guys at the Chooks do their thing.

"This guy's diligence around his own performance is as great as I've ever seen.

"I'm looking forward to Nathan playing his footy tonight. He doesn't have to be the best player on the field... I think his legacy is already written to be honest.

"Everyone is talking about he needs to do this at Origin level to be one of the greats - I don't buy into that. He is already one of the greats."

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Cleary is being tipped by two of Nine's experts to be man of the match in a winning Blues team.

But he faces competition from his Penrith co-captain Isaah Yeo, who is also captaining NSW this series.

Former Blues star Ruan Sims as well as commentator Mat Thompson believe Yeo will be man of the match in the decider.

Here's who Nine's experts are tipping to win, and who will get man of the match.

Brad Fittler: Blues by 6, Nathan Cleary

Darren Lockyer: Maroons by 2, Tom Dearden

Ruan Sims: Blues by 4, Isaah Yeo

Andrew Johns: Blues by 10, Payne Haas

Paul Gallen: Blues by 10, Angus Crichton

Peter Psaltis: Maroons by 7, Cameron Munster

Mat Thompson: Blues by 4, Isaah Yeo

The Mole: Blues by 10, Nathan Cleary