Nathan Cleary faces defining moment as NSW Blues chase Origin decider victory
A week is a long time in rugby league. For Nathan Cleary, it has been a journey from man of the match in Game 1 to having his place in the NSW Blues side questioned ahead of Wednesday night's State of Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium.
Cleary makes history when he runs out for his 20th Origin appearance, becoming NSW's most capped halfback. He also moves past Johnathan Thurston as the third-most capped halfback in Origin history, trailing only Allan Langer (34) and Daly Cherry-Evans (22). Yet the debate over his performance has intensified.
Why is Nathan Cleary's Origin spot under scrutiny?
Fox Sports columnist Paul Crawley argued that if Cleary fails to step up at Suncorp, the Blues should consider moving on.