'Position you want to be in': Cleary embracing intensity of Origin spotlight
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NSW Blues halfback Nathan Cleary has opened up on the mindset that allows him to relish the high-pressure moments after steering his side to a stunning come-from-behind victory in Wednesday's State of Origin opener.
The No.7 orchestrated the biggest comeback in Origin history, as the Blues turned a 20-0 deficit into a thrilling 22-20 win over Queensland in front of nearly 80,000 fans at Accor Stadium.
Cleary's performances in the Origin arena have been maligned over the years, but he was at his best in a man-of-the-match performance on Wednesday night to help NSW score three tries in the final 18 minutes to take a 1-0 series lead.
Nathan Cleary named Player of the Match
While some players struggle in the big moments, the halfback said he relishes the chance to deliver for his team in the sport's most intense theatre.
"That's what it's all about and the position you want to be in," Cleary said. "You live by the sword, you die by the sword and that's what happens when you've got the No.7 on your back.
"I was lucky enough some of those moments worked out, in the past they haven't worked out. That's rugby league and why we love it.
"It's my job and I want to do that for the team. I want to stand up in those big moments and be a good teammate and make it a special night for all of us in this room and for the supporters. I'm happy to be on the right side of it."
Match: Blues v Maroons
Game 1 -
home Team
Blues
away Team
Maroons
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Cleary's performance on Wednesday night was reminiscent of his second half of the 2023 NRL grand final, when he helped Penrith complete an 18-point comeback to stun the Broncos.
Playing on the same ground as that magical evening, the 28-year-old scored a try, had two try assists, a line-break and produced a crucial 40/20 that ultimately led to a try.
Nathan Cleary Try
Cleary laid on the grubber for the Blues first four-pointer of the night and kicked the towering bomb that fullback James Tedesco eventually plucked out of the air for the match-winning try.
The halfback also orchestrated the side's attack, providing the platform for rookie five-eighth Ethan Strange to play his natural free-running style in an impressive NSW debut.
Blues players and teammates have long been frustrated at the scrutiny Cleary receives over his Origin performances and captain Isaah Yeo said Wednesday was just another reminder of the playmaker's greatness.
"I don't buy into the narrative at all," Yeo said. "The moments tonight, he won. The 40/20 was massive, we're chasing points and he comes up with the try.
"He had a calm head and he attacked the game. He's done that in so many big games before, so it's not new for me. I love to see him own those moments and he was outstanding tonight.
"When we needed him most, he stepped up and provided for us so I'm super stoked. I don't agree with some of the stuff that gets said, there's no bigger fan than me."
After enjoying Wednesday's victory, the Blues will quickly turn their focus to Game Two at the MCG on June 17.
Coach Laurie Daley made no secret of his disappointment with the first half performance and the players recognise they will need to be much better to defeat a desperate Queensland side in Melbourne.
James Tedesco Try
On a personal note, Cleary recognises he will still face questions about his Origin performance until the series is wrapped up but revealed he stopped listening to the outside noise years ago.
"I don't really care [about what people say]," Cleary said. "I do this for the people that support me, no matter what, who are always in my corner.
"That narrative might still be there because at the end of the day, the series isn't won. There's still two more games, so I'm focused on that. I'm focused on being a good teammate and getting the job done for my state and doing the people proud who are always in my corner."
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