Pearce’s Cleary praise: ‘Nathan did all the hard work’

Halfback Mitchell Pearce has praised the man who he replaced in the State of Origin decider, generously declaring “Nathan Cleary did all the hard work in the first two games and I came in at the end”.

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He may have been NSW’s unofficial dressing room photographer but Nathan Cleary wasn’t forgotten during the Blues’ wild celebrations.

Forced to miss Wednesday night’s famous win through injury, Cleary came into camp with NSW and was front and centre to congratulate teammates in a jubilant NSW dressing room.

He was even taking selfie photos for teammates.

But Cleary’s contribution over the first two games wasn’t lost on replacement halfback Mitchell Pearce, who played a decisive role in the match-winning try.

“For me, my first thought was for Nathan after the game. He has done all the hard work in the first two games and I came in at the end,” Pearce said.

Had Cleary not sustained an ankle injury in Origin II at Perth, Pearce wouldn’t have been given his chance.

Mitchell Pearce (R) and Nathan Cleary (L) celebrate the win. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Rather than sulk, Cleary was enjoying the moment just as much as Pearce, who secured his first Origin series win in eight attempts.

“How good is this? It’s just good to sit here with the trophy. It doesn’t happen much. It feels good, I’m just trying to enjoy the moment,” Pearce told The Daily Telegraph.

“Mate, it does feel good. I’m only 30 and would like to keep playing in this arena. Running out, playing, it’s the best feeling you can ever get, the best ever. To get that wins just feels great.

“I’m just really grateful. It sounds like a cliché but I really am. It’s good for all of us, we all wants NSW to win.

“You never feel good over those years when you lose. It was a tough game of football, typical Origin.”

NSW led 20-8 and were surging toward victory before the traditional Queensland comeback levelled the scores inside the final ten nervous minutes.

Jake Trbojevic with Nathan Cleary. Picture: Brett Costello

It was then left to NSW fullback James Tedesco to finish a sweeping play in the final 30 seconds to secure victory.

“I didn’t think ‘oh no’ (at 20-all) because I believed in what we were doing but I wasn’t happy with it,” Pearce said.

“We played some really good footy but just couldn’t throw that knockout punch. There were a heap of opportunities and line breaks. That was frustrating, not being able to know them out.

“Mate, it probably feels more special to win like this anyway.”

NSW teammate James Maloney has been a staunch supporter of Pearce since the pair played together at Sydney Roosters.

Pre-game, Maloney fiercely defended his halfback and hit out at critics of Pearce, as he did post-match

“It (the win) will put a few things to rest for ‘Pearcey’. I have said openly that he copped the rough end of blame for things that weren’t always his fault,” Maloney said. “He has worn that and never tried to deflect on anyone.

“Pearcey came out and got it done and I couldn’t be prouder if him. It wasn’t always his fault but he wore it and moved on.”

Fullback James Tedesco added: “Mitchell has been through some tough times in the Origin arena. We spoke about that and wanted to win for him. He was awesome. He showed a lot of passion and excitement.”

Forward Tariq Sims was also in the triumphant NSW dressing room despite missing the game through suspension.

“How good is this,” Sims said.

Originally published as Pearce’s Cleary praise: ‘Nathan did all the hard work’