New South Wales have secured the State of Origin shield with a commanding victory in the series decider at Suncorp Stadium, and Nathan Cleary was the architect of the triumph. The Blues halfback, who faced intense criticism after a poor second-game performance, produced a masterclass to lead his side to a famous win over Queensland.
Cleary was at his clinical best, scoring the first two tries of the match and adding five goals, meaning he outscored the Maroons on his own. He also made a crucial solo strip on Selwyn Cobbo, further stamping his authority on the contest. Having described his previous showing as “embarrassing”, he responded with a performance defined by control and composure.
The Australian playmaker dominated his opposite number, Sam Walker, making four tackle busts and a line break while contributing 24 tackles. Cleary’s efforts earned him the man of the match award, making him a four-time recipient of the honour alongside legends Peter Sterling and Andrew Johns.
Cleary also claimed the Wally Lewis medal as player of the series, capping a remarkable personal turnaround. Having lost three previous Origin deciders, he finally secured a series win, celebrating with girlfriend Mary Fowler after the match. His performance marked a definitive answer to those who doubted his ownership of the Origin stage.
