Nathan Cleary Reflects on NSW Blues' State of Origin Defeat

In a sobering reflection following the New South Wales Blues' disappointing loss in the 2025 State of Origin decider against the Queensland Maroons, star playmaker Nathan Cleary expressed his frustration over the team's performance, emphasizing the weight of expectations and personal accountability. The match, held on July 9, 2025, at Accor Stadium, concluded with Queensland securing a 24-12 victory, marking Cleary's third consecutive loss in an Origin decider.

Cleary, who has been pivotal in multiple winning campaigns for the Blues, articulated the emotional toll of the defeat, stating, "At the end of the day, I haven’t... you just feel like you’ve let down the boys you play with and your state. That’s what hurts the most" (Pengilly, Adam. Fox Sports, July 10, 2025). The loss has reignited discussions around Cleary's performance in high-stakes games, despite his impressive career achievements, including four consecutive NRL titles with the Penrith Panthers.

Historically, Cleary's record in State of Origin matches stands at eight wins and nine losses, a statistic that underscores the challenges he faces in clutch moments. This performance was compared to renowned playmakers like Allan Langer and Cooper Cronk, who are celebrated for their decisive plays in similar situations (Pengilly, 2025).

The dynamics of the game were heavily influenced by Queensland’s strategic defensive approach, which successfully stifled Cleary's playmaking abilities. According to Cleary, “They defended really well and put a lot of pressure on us,” indicating that the Maroons effectively disrupted the NSW attacking flow (Pengilly, 2025).

Critics have noted that while individual talent is crucial, the overall team performance also plays a significant role in such pivotal matches. Payne Haas, a prop for NSW, commented on the collective responsibility, saying, “It’s on us not helping him out, it’s not on him” (Pengilly, 2025). This sentiment reflects a broader understanding within the team that success in Origin requires cohesive efforts rather than placing the burden solely on star players.

Looking ahead, Cleary recognizes the need for growth and adaptation in his gameplay. He stated, “The frustrating thing about rugby league is you feel like you’ve learnt lessons before, but there’s always new lessons to learn” (Pengilly, 2025). This introspection suggests that Cleary is committed to evolving as a player, despite the pressures of previous failures.

As the NSW Blues regroup and prepare for future challenges, including potential changes in strategy and player roles, the focus will remain on how Cleary can harness his experiences to emerge victorious in future deciders. With another NRL season approaching, Cleary and the Panthers will look to capitalize on their resurgence after climbing off the bottom of the ladder, a testament to their resilience and fighting spirit in the face of adversity.