Nathan Cleary does not believe his father Ivan would want to juggle the Penrith and NSW coaching jobs, as Blues officials continue their search for Brad Fittler's replacement.
NSW have not ruled out allowing a club coach to take on the role, in a back-to-the-future move to ensure the best possible person takes up the role.
Ivan Cleary would have to be given serious consideration if he was to put his hand up for the job.
The 52-year-old has won three straight premierships with the Panthers, and found a way to consistently get the best out of several regulars in NSW's State of Origin team.
He is also one of the best in the NRL at using his bench, and was brought into the Blues set up for game day in Origin III last year by close friend Fittler.
Penrith and NSW five-eighth Jarome Luai this week backed the prospect of a Blues call for his club coach, believing the Panthers mentor would be a "good fit".
But asked on Thursday whether he would like to see his father take on the role, Nathan Cleary suggested Ivan would not be keen on holding both jobs.
"I don't think Dad would do that," Cleary said.
"I don't know (who replaces Fittler). We'll see what happens."
The halfback's comments sum up the issue facing NSW Rugby League officials.
Only Wayne Bennett has juggled club and State of Origin football in the past decade, and that was due to the series being played after the COVID-impacted 2020 NRL season.
Ricky Stuart is already out of contention as he focuses on a young Canberra side, despite emerging as an early frontrunner.
Craig Bellamy remains an option, having previously coached NSW between 2008 and 2010 - although all three of those series ended in defeat.
Bellamy is yet to speak publicly on the matter but has previously indicated 2024 will be his last year as full-time coach at Melbourne.
Laurie Daley remains among the front-runners, after earlier this week confirming his interest in returning to NSW after coaching the last of his five Origin series in 2017.
John Cartwright has also stated his interest, having previously served as an assistant to Daley and playing eight games for the Blues between 1989 and 1992.
Nathan Cleary said he had been surprised by Fittler's decision to knock back an offer to stay on as coach after six years in charge for three series wins.
"I'll probably reach out to him over the next couple of days and say thank you for what he's done for my game," Cleary said.
"He has shown a lot of faith in me when I was young and coming through. I have a lot of respect for him."
