Nathan Cleary has today admitted he’s “embarrassed” by his underwhelming performance in State of Origin II, after New South Wales were humiliated 44–24 loss that now leaves Queensland in the driver’s seat (and as bookies favourites) to win the 2026 series up at Suncorp.
Many spectators would say that the Blues were collectively quite bad, or specifically calling for Laurie Daley to be sacked, but Cleary says it’s on his shoulders that NSW lost.
- Click here to download our NRL Apple app
- Click here to download our NRL Android app
“It’s tough,” Cleary said, putting the torch directly on himself on Thursday morning.
“It’s very disappointing and frustrating.
“And, I’m definitely disappointed in my own performance.
“It’s pretty embarrassing to let the team down, but there is a game three to be won. We just have to sit through this, grow from it, and come back stronger.”
Cleary was largely invisible through the 80 minute clash, though he did land four conversions. He set up one try, and kicked 259 metres, but also missed 10 tackles and struggled to do more than lay up a few bombs. He was out-kicked by halves partner Moses, who got 324m from nine.
When he was grilled on why he thought he was so bad, Cleary said it “just wasn’t up to my standards, or what the team needs from me.”
“We’ve trained together in camp before,” the Blues No.7 continued. “We connected quite well in the first half, but in the second half, we just didn’t respond well enough to not having field position.
But, he also pointed out that the Blues shot themselves in the foot too often when attacking, and QLD were much steadier.
“I think the main thing is learning from this,” he said.
Are you reading on our app? Download now for the best Sporting Base experience.
Partner Mary Fowler consoled Nathan Cleary in the Blues sheds after the loss.
“Just being critical of myself, understanding what went wrong, and then just moving on… and sticking together. This can fracture a group, or it can bring everyone together. We want to stay together, grow from it, and put ourselves in the best position when we get to game three.”
More NRL news
Did NSW learn nothing? Blues’ selection history strikes again in Origin II loss
Time’s up: Laurie must go – and it must happen before decider
As noted, Queensland are now $1.50 favourites to win the third clash of the series, while New South Wales have drifted to $2.50. That said, Cleary still thinks that his state side can clinch the trophy. “It’s little things, but I think a lot of the time it’s a mentality thing as well,” he explained.
“Just putting yourself in the picture for plays, particularly defensively.
“It’s definitely fixable, but you’ve got to self-reflect, be hard, and go from there.”
