State of Origin II turned into a rollercoaster of drama, intensity, and debate on Wednesday night, with much of the attention falling on Penrith Panthers and New South Wales star Nathan Cleary. While Queensland managed to hang on in a nail-biting finish to win 26-24 and level the series at one game apiece, fans and commentators were all asking the same question: Was Cleary truly fit to play?
The four-time NRL premiership winner took to the field with visible strapping on his right thigh, sparking immediate speculation about whether he was carrying an injury. During the game, Cleary appeared to shy away from his usual responsibilities as a kicker. Instead, Zac Lomax, another Blues standout, assumed those duties—a move that raised eyebrows across the rugby league world.
Social media lit up almost immediately with images of Cleary’s thigh support circulating widely, prompting many to wonder why the Blues had opted to field him in such a critical encounter. Given that the Panthers had a bye the previous week and Cleary didn’t play, fans were left puzzled about how ready he truly was. The decision to start him became a central talking point as the match unfolded and particularly after the narrow loss.
While Cleary did participate fully in the match and even crossed the try line—only for the score to be ruled out due to obstruction—he never quite looked his usual dominant self. Observers noted that he had not taken part in goal-kicking duties during the captain’s run either. The concern was enough to draw attention from analysts and fans alike, with respected source NRL Physio posting: “Nathan Cleary is playing through a right thigh issue in Origin 2 that is restricting his kicking. He has handed the goal kicking over to Zac Lomax & was reportedly unable to kick at captain’s run. Wearing thigh compression that he hasn’t previously as well.”
The update added fuel to the fire, with frustrated New South Wales fans quickly voicing their thoughts online. Many questioned the decision to play Cleary if he wasn’t fully fit, especially with other capable halves like Dolphins star Isaiya Katoa available. One fan posted, “Should have pulled out if not fit, Katoa would have added more than he is showing,” while another bluntly asked, “Why play him?” Some users even questioned the logic of the coaching staff, saying, “So he can’t run? And he’s playing? Oh my god, it can’t get any more stupid.”
In Cleary’s absence from kicking duties, Zac Lomax took on the responsibility but struggled under the pressure, converting only two out of five attempts. To make matters worse, Lomax was placed on report for a raised elbow on Trent Loiero during the game—another headache for the Blues camp.
Despite the swirling controversy around Cleary, New South Wales actually got off to a flying start. Brian To’o opened the scoring with a try just six minutes in and went on to complete a stunning hat-trick. The Blues dominated the opening exchanges, applying pressure and forcing Queensland to dig deep. However, the Maroons responded in classic fashion, led by a brilliant display from Cameron Munster.
Munster, along with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Kurt Capewell, helped Queensland storm back into the contest. Tabuai-Fidow scored twice, while Munster and Capewell added crucial tries before the halftime break, flipping the script and putting the Maroons ahead. At the halfway point, the Blues looked rattled, and questions swirled not only around Cleary’s fitness but around team strategy as a whole.
The second half, however, saw New South Wales regroup. They dug deep and managed to hold Queensland scoreless in the final 40 minutes. Stephen Crichton and Angus Crichton both crossed late in the game, setting up a dramatic finish as the Blues surged forward, searching for a match-winning play. But Billy Slater’s men showed composure and resilience, fending off the late push and securing a narrow but vital win to keep the series alive.
Back on social media, the criticism over Cleary’s inclusion only intensified. One fan remarked, “The choice to pick injured players is coming back to bite NSW,” while another added, “What are Moses and Cleary even doing at training if this is the result?” The sentiment among many was that the Blues had gambled by picking Cleary when he wasn’t fully fit—and lost.
The irony of Cleary playing while restricted in one of the most physically demanding games of the year wasn’t lost on viewers. Many felt the Blues had options and simply failed to use them. Even though Cleary is a talismanic figure and a central piece in the NSW machine, the decision to risk him in a match of such magnitude while injured could end up being a costly one—especially if Queensland go on to win the decider.
With the series now tied 1-1, all eyes turn to Game III. For Cleary, his performance—though gritty—has left more questions than answers. Whether he’ll be fit in time for the next match or whether the Blues will rethink their strategy remains to be seen.
In the end, while the match itself was an Origin classic filled with breathtaking tries and high drama, much of the post-match discussion has been about one thing: Nathan Cleary’s fitness and New South Wales’ decision to field him.
