Aussie superstar Nathan Cleary opens up on ties to Treble winners

THE WORLD'S BEST ON ASHES CHALLENGE

- By DAN TOMLINSON

HE'S the world's best rugby league player with four NRL Premiership rings and a World Cup medal in his possession, but it's one painful defeat in Wigan that spurs Australian halfback Nathan Cleary on.

And while he has conquered the domestic game with the Penrith Panthers and the international game with the Kangaroos, it's that 2024 World Club Challenge defeat to the Cherry and Whites that still stings.

For Cleary, the 27-year-old dubbed the sport's very best, that loss to Matt Peet's side serves as motivation this autumn, with the Aussie superstar gunning for England and an Ashes series victory - with the first Test taking place at Wembley this Saturday.