The Penrith Panthers are confident star halfback Nathan Cleary will be fit to face the Bulldogs next Thursday, despite pushing through a mystery groin issue during NSW’s narrow 26-24 State of Origin Game 2 loss to Queensland in Perth.
Cleary gave up goalkicking duties on Wednesday night — a crucial decision as Zac Lomax missed several conversions and a late two-point field goal attempt that could have changed the outcome.
The NSW No.7 was seen with compression strapping on his right thigh and managed just three kicks in the first half, forcing teammates Jarome Luai and Latrell Mitchell to step in. Luai’s opening kick went out on the full, prompting Cleary to resume kicking in the second half, finishing the match with 11 kicks for 295 metres and five runs.
Despite the visible discomfort, Cleary continued to take on the line and even had a try disallowed due to obstruction. With Mitch Moses already ruled out, NSW will need a fully fit Cleary for the all-important decider.
Coach Laurie Daley downplayed any panic, saying:
“He just felt a bit tight in his groin, so we wanted to limit the amount of force that he put through there.”
Cleary has been rested for Penrith’s upcoming clash against the Warriors but is expected to return for the vital showdown against the Bulldogs — a must-win with the Panthers sitting just outside the top eight and missing multiple Origin stars.
Meanwhile in the Maroons Camp…
Cameron Munster, Queensland’s new captain and Game 2’s man of the match, hit back emotionally at the criticism levelled at coach Billy Slater in the lead-up to the match.
Slater’s selection decisions had been widely questioned, with former Blues prop Aaron Woods even calling him a “grub.” Slater responded with an emotional reference to the late Paul Green, apologising to Green’s family in a pre-game press conference.
Munster said the comments stung deeply:
“I played with Bill. He’s a champion player and coach. It hurts when someone jabs at him like that. I’ll say it now — I love him. He’s the reason I want to play.”
Queensland rose to the occasion, keeping the series alive in torrential rain with a spirited display.
📊 POLL: Should Nathan Cleary Play Next Week Despite His Groin Issue?
🟦 Yes — The Panthers need him, and he’s tough enough to manage it
🟨 No — Rest him fully to avoid further injury before the decider
🟥 Only if he’s 100% cleared by medical staff
👉 Vote now and have your say on this burning Origin drama!
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