A Historic Comeback and a Statement from Nathan Cleary
Nathan Cleary has always been a player who thrives under pressure, and his performance in the first game of the 2024 State of Origin series was no exception. Despite the challenges he faces in proving his critics wrong, Cleary remains focused on what matters most: delivering for his team and his supporters.
The Blues faced an uphill battle on Wednesday night, trailing 20-0 at halftime. However, they staged the greatest comeback in Origin history, taking a 1-0 lead into Game Two on June 17. For Cleary, the win was more than just a result—it was a personal triumph.
“It felt like a nightmare in the first half and then it felt like a dream,” Cleary reflected. “That’s rugby league, that’s why we all love it. Happy to be on the right side of it tonight.”
Key Moments That Shaped the Game
Kalyn Ponga’s controversial send-off played a role in shifting momentum in the Blues’ favor, but it was Cleary’s leadership and skill that truly turned the tide. The NSW halfback showcased his attacking brilliance, making crucial plays that ultimately led to the dramatic victory.
One of the standout moments came when Cleary executed a perfect grubber kick through the line, allowing second-rower Hudson Young to score the Blues’ first try on the third tackle. This set the tone for a second-half resurgence that would eventually lead to the historic comeback.
In the second half, Cleary demonstrated his tactical intelligence by launching a precise 40/20 kick that set up the Blues’ third try. His ability to read the game and make smart decisions proved vital in turning the match around.
The Final Play That Sealed the Victory
The defining moment of the game came in the 78th minute when Cleary launched a towering bomb upfield for fullback James Tedesco. Tedesco outleapt the Queensland backline and scored the crucial try that leveled the scores. Cleary described the moment as surreal.
“I couldn’t believe it, he just juggled it and then I just saw him on the ground, I was like, ‘Holy moly’. An amazing feeling,” Cleary said.
Following the try, Cleary calmly slotted the conversion to give the Blues their first lead of the night in the final seconds. It was a fitting end to a game that will be remembered for years to come.
A Personal Milestone
This victory marked the closest win of Cleary’s 18-game Origin career and only his second win in the past six matches. Despite this, the win was arguably the finest hour of his career, especially considering the long-standing criticism he has faced for his record in the sky blue jersey.
Cleary has now won three player-of-the-match awards, but he has also lost all three game-three deciders he has played. He has not been part of a winning series since 2018, a fact that still lingers in the minds of some fans and pundits.
When asked if the performance would silence his doubters, Cleary was uncharacteristically blunt.
“I don’t care, really. Honestly,” he said. “I do this for the people that support me no matter what and are always in my corner.”
He added that the narrative might still be there because “at the end of the day, the series isn’t won. There’s still two more games.”
Staying Focused on the Future
Despite the criticism, Cleary remains undeterred. The decade’s standout player at NRL level, he has never let his Origin struggles define him. Instead, he sees them as part of the journey.
“Live by the sword, die by the sword. That’s what happens when you wear the No.7 on your back,” he said. “I was lucky enough some of those moments worked out tonight. In the past they haven’t worked out. But that’s rugby league and that’s why we love it.”
