![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/poster-fallback.png\"\/)
<\/p>\n
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.<\/p>\n
Cleary makes history at Suncorp Stadium when he runs out for his 20th State of Origin appearance, becoming NSW\u2019s most capped halfback. <\/p>\n
Meanwhile, he moves past Johnathan Thurston as the third-most capped halfback in Origin history, only behind Allan Langer (34) and Daly Cherry-Evans (22).<\/p>\n
It begs the question, if Cleary isn\u2019t able to get the job done on Wednesday night should Laurie Daley \u2014 or whoever is coach in 2027 \u2014 consider whether Cleary is still an automatic selection at halfback?<\/p>\n
The Panthers superstar, who led the Dally M count when it went behind closed doors, has often been widely considered one of the first players picked. <\/p>\n
But foxsports.com.au columnist Paul Crawley argued that should change if Cleary fails to step up at Suncorp Stadium. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe definition of stupidity is to just keep doing the same thing all the time and getting the same result. Nathan has had enough time in the Blues jumper now,\u201d Crawley said on NRL 360.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was brought through as a 20-year-old. He was given time. There were times early in his career where I don\u2019t think he deserved to have that jumper. <\/p>\n
\u201cAt that point, there was other blokes that probably deserved to go, but the Blues put faith in him. They knew he was the long-term halfback and have given him ample time to get it right.<\/p>\n
\u201c… I don\u2019t think he was great for the Kangaroos last year. I don\u2019t think the Kangaroos clicked on that series. Yes, they won the Ashes three-nil, but there was no stage in that series where I thought the Kangaroos clicked.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just think at some point you have to move on. If they don\u2019t get it right this series, I would love to see New South Wales take a breath and give the young blokes a go.\u201d<\/p>\n
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!<\/a><\/p>\n Cleary ‘can END’ immortality debate | 02:31<\/p>\n Cleary made his Origin debut at just 20 years old in 2018 and up until that point, there had been a musical-chairs approach to the NSW halves with 17 players used at five-eighth and halfback between 2006 and the breakthrough 2014 series.<\/p>\n There have been plenty of changes in and around Cleary since his Blues debut, but he has otherwise been the one constant.<\/p>\n The 28-year-old has played in every series outside of 2024, when he was sidelined by a hamstring injury and while he is undoubtedly one of the best players in the NRL, that dominance hasn\u2019t consistently translated to the Origin arena. <\/p>\n There are several theories for why that may be the case. Former Queensland halfback Cooper Cronk suggested earlier in the week on \u2018Matty and Cronk\u2019 that Cleary may need to be a bit more selfish as a player.<\/p>\n \u201cNathan looked like he was trying to do everyone else\u2019s role and do the right thing by the team. But to be a good team player, you need to deliver in your strengths as an individual first. He can definitely turn up and be player of the match for NSW,\u201d Cronk said.<\/p>\n Whatever the reason may be, Crawley put forward Dolphins sensation Isaiya Katoa as a potential threat to Cleary\u2019s crown as the top halfback in NSW.<\/p>\n MORE STATE OF ORIGIN NEWS<\/p>\n \u2018HE\u2019S A CHEAT\u2019: Gus calls out QLD star in explosive Origin claim<\/a><\/p>\n