'That's the storyline': Cleary's legacy-defining moment arrives in Origin One

The NSW Blues have declared Nathan Cleary is ready to stand tall as the halfback looks to join the game's greats by dominating a State of Origin series amid a dramatic lead in to Game One.

The Blues were forced into a late change after five-eighth Mitchell Moses strained his hamstring on Monday morning, with debutant Ethan Strange thrust into the starting side to partner Cleary in the halves. 

Long viewed as the best halfback in the game, Cleary led Penrith to four premierships from 2021-2024 and produced one of the greatest grand final performances of the modern era in 2023.

He's the current Dally M leader and looks destined to lead the Panthers back to the finals after taking his game to another level this season.

His record in the interstate series, however, is mixed. The halfback has won three series, with an overall record of eight wins from 17 games and has lost all three deciders he has featured in. 

The stats have fed into the narrative Origin dominance is the last box left to tick on Cleary's resume before he can be viewed alongside the game's greats. 

It's a storyline the Blues are quick to dismiss, with NSW skipper and Penrith teammate Isaah Yeo confident the halfback's club form will translate to a special performance at Accor Stadium on Wednesday night. 

"The way he's been able to attack games has been a little bit different with the six agains and the momentum and he's been grabbing those moments," Yeo said. "He's sitting at the top of the Dally M ladder because of that. 

"He's adjusted quicker than any other half in the competition and it's suited him and his strengths. At club level he's been outstanding and he's going to do a wonderful job [tonight] because there's no one better prepared and he's in some good form."

The late withdrawal of Moses will see the Blues alter their playing style slightly, however Cleary and Strange's games should complement each other nicely. 

Cleary will carry a bigger burden of the playmaking responsibilities, while Strange will be free to play his natural game as a physical run-first five-eighth. 

Perhaps the biggest adjustment for the halfback will come in the kicking game, with the loss of Moses' booming right boot a major blow.

With heavy rain expected at Accor Stadium on Wednesday night, Cleary's ability to dictate terms off the boot will play a big role in determining the outcome of the clash.

Blues coach Laurie Daley has heard all the talk about his halfback but has no doubts about his playmaker's ability to step up in a high-pressure situation. 

"That's the storyline around Origin and Nathan, but I don't see it like that," Daley said. "For us to have success, it has to be a team performance. If we're relying on Nathan Cleary to go out and get man of the match, then we're kidding ourselves. 

"We've got to rely on 17 guys to be able to work hard for each other. We share the wins, we share the losses and we share every moment. I don't see it like Nathan has to own Origin. He's won man of the matches, he's been part of winning Origin series before. It's a big game for everyone and I'm excited for it."

The weather is set to be a big factor on Wednesday night as the Blues look to become the first home team to win an Origin contest since they prevailed at Accor Stadium in Game Three 2023. 

A deluge is expected to hit the stadium shortly before kick-off, adding another fascinating wrinkle to a hotly-anticipated match-up. 

Daley has named a mobile forward pack, with just one traditional prop on his six-man bench. 

It's a risk the coach hopes will pay off on Wednesday night, with points likely at a premium. Daley is likely to run a three-man rotation throughout the first 50 minutes before looking to the likes of Blayke Brailey or Matt Burton to break the game open in the second half.

"It's interesting one because [the plan] can change in the first five minutes," Daley said. "Ideally you want to use three interchange players and then you're holding one back. 

"There's a lot of plans we'll have ready, it's just seeing how the game unfolds before we go into a lot more detail. 

"Anyone with a bit of footwork in these conditions, from Queensland or NSW will have an impact. You're going to have to be steady when you defend. Anyone with footwork in these conditions is always dangerous, so we'll see how it plays out."

The 2026 State of Origin series is here. Don't miss a moment of the action, tune in from 7pm AEST Wednesday night on Channel 9, 9Now and WatchNRL.com.