Cleary Delivers Under Pressure
Nathan Cleary produced a masterclass performance in the State of Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium, leading NSW to a dominant victory over Queensland. The Blues halfback scored two tries, kicked five goals, and earned both the Wally Lewis Medal as player of the series and the man of the match award. The win silenced critics who had questioned whether Cleary truly "owned" Origin football.
Blues Dominate Decisive Match
NSW entered the match having won just three series deciders in Brisbane over the past three decades. After being outplayed in Game One and thrashed 44-24 in Game Two, the Blues were widely written off. However, they delivered their best performance of the series, bullying the Maroons in the deciding match. With 10 minutes left, the Blues knew victory was assured and toyed with their opponents in a slow, deliberate finish.
Incidents included Mitchell Moses scuffling with Cameron Munster, Isaah Yeo successfully challenging a knock-on call, and Stephen Crichton rag-dolling Kalyn Ponga in goal. Hudson Young crossed for a try after the final siren. But Cleary moved quietly, bleeding from a bandaged head, calmly orchestrating the triumph.
Cleary's Redemption After Game Two Criticism
Cleary had faced intense scrutiny after Game Two, where he missed an Origin-record 10 tackles and looked hampered by a hip injury requiring painkilling injections. Partner Mitchell Moses struggled to find chemistry with him, and the halves combination failed. Cleary described his performance as "embarrassing" and entered the decider with something to prove.
A narrative had emerged in the media questioning Cleary's Origin credentials despite his four NRL premierships with Penrith. Few players this century have risen to big moments better than Cleary, yet the slur persisted. He responded with calm determination, telling reporters his strategy was simply "control."
Statistical Dominance
Cleary outclassed Queensland halfback Sam Walker in every facet. He made four tackle busts and a line break to Walker's one, laid 24 tackles to Walker's 13, and ran further and kicked better. His two tries and five goals meant he outscored Queensland on his own. A solo strip on Maroons giant Selwyn Cobbo symbolized the epic heist he masterminded.
According to former NSW coach Phil Gould, "He serviced his team beautifully, got them all playing to the best of their ability. He kicked them downfield, kicked his goals, scored the first couple of tries. What more do you want? He's an outstanding Origin player, a champion footballer. Cometh the hour, cometh the champion."
Historic Achievement
With the man of the match award, Cleary joined Blues legends Peter Sterling and Andrew Johns as a four-time recipient. He also claimed the Wally Lewis Medal as player of the series. After the match, he celebrated with girlfriend and Matildas star Mary Fowler, emphasizing the shared glory of the victory.
