Nathan Cleary pipped Origin rookie Ethan Strange to man of the match honours after the Blues’ epic come-from-behind win in Game 1 on Wednesday night. But NRL legends Andrew Johns and Cameron Smith were among those to insist the award should have gone to the 21-year-old debutant Strange, who many fans claim was “robbed” of the top gong.
With first-choice No.6 Mitch Moses ruled out on the eve of the series opener in Sydney, Strange – wearing the No.18 jersey – was thrust straight into a starting halves role for his first taste of Origin footy. And he didn’t disappoint, with a superb try capping off a standout debut in the 22-20 comeback victory over the Maroons, highlighted by Kalyn Ponga’s controversial send-off for Queensland in the second half.
NSW halfback Nathan Cleary (R) was named man of the match despite many arguing that Blues debutant Ethan Strange (far L) was the best player in Origin Game 1. Pic: Getty
(Getty)
Strange was brilliant in defence, and his physicality was highlighted by a crunching try-saving tackle on Queensland skipper Cameron Munster in the first half. The Raiders young gun made 22 tackles and was a powerhouse in attack, running for 134 metres off 15 carries, which also included three tackle busts.
His defining moment came in the second half though, when Strange created and then finished off a crucial try to get NSW back into the contest after they trailed 20-6 at the break. The NSW rookie put Stephen Crichton into space down the left side before running onto a return ball from the Blues centre to score a stunning long-range try.
“It was awesome,” Strange said after the game about his fairytale moment on Origin debut. “I followed ‘Critter’ [Crichton], he somehow turned around and found me. It was pretty special.”
Ethan Strange overlooked for man of the match honours
Cleary was also pivotal to the Blues’ victory, setting up Hudson Young’s opening try with a clever grubber kick in behind the Queensland defence. The champion No.7 then crossed for his side’s third to set up a grandstand finish, before putting up the high kick that resulted in James Tedesco’s match-winning try at the death.
But NRL legends Johns and Smith both thought Strange was the best player on the park and eyebrows were raised when Cleary was later named man of the match. “The debut of Ethan Strange, he was a powerhouse,” Johns said on Nine’s coverage.
“I thought he sparked them down this left side, his running game he was unbelievable on debut, you’re looking at someone who’s going to be playing hopefully 30 Origin games, he’s just made for Origin, he was devastating.”
Ethan Strange scored a crucial try for the Blues in a stunning Origin debut for the NSW playmaker. Pic: Getty
(Cameron Spencer via Getty Images)
Smith added: “I’m with you (Joey), I think he was the best player on the field, he was the most dangerous ball runner for the Blues the entire night, it’s a wonderful debut considering only 48 hours ago he was thrust into that position.”
It was a view shared by fans across social media as well. And many felt Strange was “robbed” after being overlooked for man of the match honours in favour of Cleary. Some even suggested Queensland rookie Sam Walker was unlucky not to get the gong after a fantastic debut in a losing side.
“Strange robbed,” one fan commented after Cleary was named the best player in Game 1. Another added: Ethan Strange doing everything to keep NSW in the match. Man of the match – Cleary. These people reward the gloss, not the hard work that gets the gloss.” Another said: “Ethan Strange was the best player on the field last night. Cleary played well in patches. The send off changed the whole game.”
A fourth added: “Sam Walker, Ethan Strange, and Cameron Munster were all nine or ten out of ten last night. Nathan Cleary was seven out of ten. Until Ponga’s send off, he was a six out of ten.” And another claimed: “Cleary did what any half should do against 12 men and all of a sudden, he’s POTM? Strange was better over 80. The 2 best halves in that game were the 2 debutants.”
with AAP