NSW duo Nathan Cleary and Payne Haas hid secret injuries from teammates before Origin II

Two high-profile NSW stars were in doubt up until kick-off in their Origin II defeat to Queensland - with not even their teammates aware of the severity of the injuries.

NSW halfback Nathan Cleary and the game’s best prop Payne Haas were in doubt for Origin II until the final warm-up with the duo’s secret injury fears hidden from the majority of their teammates.

In a stunning revelation, The Daily Telegraph has learned the Blues coaching staff weren’t certain Cleary was going to play with a groin injury until 90-minutes prior to the eventual 26-24 defeat to Queensland at Optus Stadium in Perth.

It’s why Cleary was replaced by NSW winger Zac Lomax as the first-choice goalkicker and in addition, why the champion Penrith playmaker kicked the football just three times in the first half.

It can be revealed that Cleary felt a “pop” in his groin while practicing goalkicking at the 60,000-seat stadium on Tuesday.

Remarkably, Cleary’s issue unfolded in front a pack of press cameras during the Blues final media opportunity and captain’s run ahead of the blockbuster.

Nathan Cleary (C) was in doubt for Origin II until the pre-game warm-up. Picture: Getty

Vision of Cleary going through his goal-kicking routine, but stopping short of striking the ball, was obtained by multiple media outlets.

“It sort of just popped up yesterday which was frustrating, but to be honest the physios did a great job in working with me and made sure I got there,’’ Cleary said after Wednesday night’s loss.

“It sort of just popped up while I was goalkicking yesterday.

“I wasn’t too sure what it was, so I was just visualising instead.’’

Nathan Cleary didn't kick for goal before Origin II.

Cleary said he was being honest about concerns over his fitness when asked by the media about his issue at the final press conference on Tuesday.

“In my mind I didn’t think I was in doubt,’’ Cleary said.

Asked when it was decided that he would be forced to relinquish his role as the Blues dominant kicker to NSW teammate Jarome Luai, Cleary replied: “Pretty much straight away.’’

However, NSW 18th man Matt Burton was told to be ready to play in Origin II should Cleary be a shock late scratching.

Blues coach Laurie Daley wouldn’t comment on just how close Cleary came to pulling out of Origin II, but praised his halfback’s resolve.

“I think it goes unnoticed in Nathan’s game, his ability to be mentally strong and to put any issues that he may have had to the side and just do what was right for the team,’’ Daley said.

“We know he’s the best player in the game, but never ever doubt his toughness because he was fantastic.’’

Meanwhile, it can also be revealed that Haas tweaked his groin 48-hours before Origin II, at the Blues training session at HBF Park last Monday.

It’s believed Haas simply scuffed his boot on the playing surface which led to him twinging his groin.

The NSW coaching staff wrapped Haas in cotton wool, with Cleary joining the prop and Blues winger Brian To’o (hamstring) in a separate training group to the rest of the squad with virtually no running at the captain’s run on Tuesday.

Payne Haas tweaked his groin 48 hours before the match. Picture: Getty

Penrith forward and 19th man Lindsay Smith would’ve replaced Haas, had he needed to be withdrawn.

The Broncos prop flew home from Perth to Brisbane on Thursday to be assessed by the team’s medical staff.

Cleary said that the reason he elevated his kicking game - with 11 general play kicks - in the second-half was that he was able to mentally block out the pain.

“Looking back, I was frustrated in myself that I didn’t just go and play anyway (in the first-half),’’ Cleary said.

“I sort of knew that once the adrenalin came I’d be sweet.

“It ended up happening (being the dominant kicker), but I should’ve been in that mindset from the start.’’

Jarome Luai took over the role of NSW’s dominant kicker - with mixed results. Picture: Getty

Cleary and his Penrith teammates have all been withdrawn from his team’s clash with the Warriors in Auckland due to the logistical impact of being able to travel and prepare for the match on Saturday.

He said he felt confident the groin issue wasn’t serious.

“I’m not sure, I think I’ll be able to clean it up quickly, I think these things settle quite quickly,’’ Cleary said.

“It’s probably more the kicking that stirs it up.

“Obviously we’re not backing-up this weekend, so that helps, I’ll recover and make sure I’m right for next Thursday (against the Bulldogs).’’

Originally published as NSW duo Nathan Cleary and Payne Haas hid secret injuries from teammates before Origin II