'My own harshest critic': NSW halfback Nathan Cleary unfazed as Origin 'narrative' arises again

He may have four premierships to his name with Penrith and already be regarded as one of the best players of all-time, but Nathan Cleary still has one mountain to climb.

Despite already winning three State of Origin series, a cloud still lingers over Cleary's head due to the fact he has only won eight of 17 games for the Blues.

It looms as one of the biggest storylines of the year and Cleary knows the noise around him won't go away unless he makes his mark for NSW.

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"I think (my history) has become a bit of a narrative around (the game), but it is up to me to put my best foot forward," he told 9News Sydney.

"It's an expectation that I have on myself to play well in this arena.

"I'm my own harshest critic, so (the noise) doesn't really get to me.

"At the end of the day, you can talk about it all you want but it is actually just about going out there and doing it on the field.

"I know what I want from my own game and what I am capable of."

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Cleary has faced a number of challenging Queensland halves pairings over the years and this year looks no different, only now he will see a new face wear in the No.7 jersey.

Sam Walker has drawn comparison to NRL legend Allan Langer in recent months, with his inclusion in the halves in the absence of Tom Dearden earning praise.

That praise along with his own experiences facing Walker in the past at club level has Cleary and his teammates on "high alert" before the series opener.

"He is very similar [to Allan Langer]. I think he has got the best short kicking game in the league," the Blues playmaker said of Walker.

"He is not afraid to take risks, which you need that in the Origin arena.

"We are going to have to be on high alert."

One thing Cleary is not worried about in Blues camp however is his playing future.

The 28-year-old has constantly been linked with a move away from the Panthers, which only heated up last week when his father and coach Ivan announced his exit.

But the champion halfback says his focus is solely on performing for the Blues.

"There is somewhere new every week - it amuses me," Cleary said.

"I won't be thinking about that. Origin is such a big arena and challenge to overcome.

"I want to be putting my full focus into that and playing well."