State of Origin 2: Where Nathan Cleary’s performance ranks among the greats
The difference in the NSW Blues side in a remarkable State of Origin victory wasn’t just the seven new faces. It was Nathan Cleary, writes PHIL ROTHFIELD.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The difference in the NSW Blues side in a remarkable State of Origin victory wasn’t just the seven new faces.
It was Nathan Cleary.
A genius halfback. Two tries, 24 points, six tackle busts, 68 run metres – and the most astute direction and leadership of a side that went into the game under such enormous pressure to save the series.
Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-days free now.
That’s when the great players stand and deliver on the biggest stage.
The newcomers delivered the early intensity, the line speed and the grunt in defence that was missing two weeks ago at AccordStadium.
Jake Trbojevic made the very first tackle of the game and set the standard.
Two of Cameron Munster’s early clearing kicks were charged down.
The momentum swing from game one and field position dominance allowed Cleary to deliver one of the great Origin halfback performances.
Seriously, up there with Sterlo, Turvey Mortimer and even Joey Johns.
This time he had time and room.
The kick he placed behind the Maroons’ right outside defence for Matt Burton’s first Origin try was a beautiful read.
And then his two tries in the second half.
You start to think about Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga watching from a hotel room in Manchester.
If a World Cup side was being chosen on what we witnessed on Sunday night the halfback contest between Cleary and Daly Cherry-Evans is actually a no contest.
This win restores so much pride for NSW.
We no longer can question Freddy Fittler and Greg Alexander.
They didn’t panic … they got it right.
You look at this Blues side and think how much stronger it could actually be.
That we flogged Queensland without arguably four of the top 10 players in the NRL who were unavailable for selection.
Imagine adding Tom Trbojevic, Latrell Mitchell, Jack Wighton and Ryan Papenhuyzen, who was leading the Dally M award beforehis injury.
That’s about $4 million worth of talent.
This side has also lost a lot of leadership since Freddy took over and had Boyd Cordner, James Maloney, Luke Keary and Dale Finucane.
The NSW leaders were absolutely superb.
James Tedesco, Cleary and Jake Turbo. Plus Isaah Yeo and Cam Murray.
On debut Matt Burton showed he will be an Origin player for the next decade.
His kicking and running game were outstanding.
And such an important strip on Dane Gagai that led to Nathan Cleary’s try in the 63rd minute that shut down the game.
It was just a shame about the refereeing.
Queensland’s first try came from the most blatant forward pass from Kalyn Ponga to Felise Kaufusi.
Everyone saw it but Ashley Klein and his touchies.
Seriously this was a disgraceful miss. Yet Klein is a protected species.
The lines are out the door to get a beer in Perth, with a full sell out crowd getting ready to watch the Blues tackle the Maroons 💙
— Telegraph Sport (@telegraph_sport) June 26, 2022
LIVE BLOG 👉 https://t.co/lkYOwGlzW8pic.twitter.com/hxtba4bcDN
While others are held accountable for their mistakes, you can almost guarantee he will get game three at Suncorp Stadium.
At least from that point NSW started getting the 50/50 calls.
In the last few minutes before halftime they got two six-again calls and a questionable last-tackle penalty when Val Holmes was pinged for obstructing a kick-chaser.
Then the sin-binning of Felise Kaufusi.
And the Blues scored off the next set from an overlap on the side Kaufusi defends.
This is Origin football.
It’s being played in front of a new audience in Western Australia.
Not even long-time rugby league supporters could work out some of the decisions let alone spectators watching the sport for the first time.
At least it had no bearing on the result.
Clearly the better side won the footy game.
Sport Confidential: Richo issues ultimatum to John Bateman
Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson has called out John Bateman questioning the Englishman’s willingness to join the club in the “crocodile roll” that lies ahead.
Sport Confidential: Veteran Bronco reveals details of racist attack
A Brisbane Broncos veteran has revealed he was the victim of an Australia Day racist attack, joining the growing list of NRL players to speak publicly about racism. See the details in Sport Confidential.