Nathan Cleary Reflects on State of Origin Loss and Future Challenges

In a poignant post-match reflection, Nathan Cleary, the halfback for the Westpac NSW Blues, expressed his disappointment following the team's loss in the State of Origin decider against the Queensland Maroons on July 9, 2025. This loss marks Cleary's third consecutive defeat in a decider, leaving him with a record of 8 wins and 9 losses in State of Origin matches. The game, held at Accor Stadium in Sydney, concluded with a score of 24-12 in favor of Queensland, exacerbating the scrutiny surrounding Cleary's performances in the prestigious series.

Cleary, who has achieved significant success in the NRL with the Penrith Panthers—including four consecutive premierships and two Clive Churchill Medals—acknowledged the weight of criticism he faces regarding his Origin record. "At the end of the day, I haven't owned an Origin series," Cleary stated. "I'm the harshest marker of myself, so I don't think what other people say is out of line because I think that of myself anyway."

The match against Queensland presented Cleary with an opportunity to silence his detractors, yet he was outperformed by Tom Dearden, the Queensland halfback who garnered both the man-of-the-match award and the Wally Lewis Medal for his outstanding performance. Cleary commended Dearden's skill and indicated that the rivalry is set to intensify as both players vie for selection in the upcoming Ashes series.

Despite Cleary's individual struggles, he emphasized that the team's overall performance fell short, stating, "You feel like you let down the boys you played with and the state, that's what hurts the most. I let down myself, my own high standards. It's frustrating." The Blues' defeat was characterized by a lack of cohesion and an inability to adapt to Queensland's aggressive defensive strategy, which effectively limited Cleary's time and space with the ball.

The tactical approach of the Queensland team involved a concerted effort to disrupt the Blues' play, forcing Cleary into a reactive role. This left the NSW team struggling to establish a fluid attacking rhythm, resulting in missed opportunities and an overall disjointed performance. Cleary acknowledged their defensive pressure, stating, "They did defend really well and put a lot of pressure on us."

As Cleary prepares to return to club football with the Penrith Panthers, he is determined to learn from this experience. He remarked, "It's about growing from it, not trying to kick stones but growing and trying to find a place to get better." The upcoming match against the Parramatta Eels on July 13 will serve as an opportunity for Cleary and his teammates to regroup and refocus.

In light of this loss, the Blues will need to reevaluate their strategies and address the mental and tactical aspects of their game as they look towards future State of Origin series. Cleary's recognition of his need for improvement reflects a broader theme within sports—where elite athletes continually strive to enhance their performance despite setbacks. As the 2026 series approaches, both Cleary and the NSW Blues face the challenge of overcoming adversity and reclaiming their standing in the Origin arena.