Nathan Cleary starred as he won his first ever State of Origin decider at the fourth attempt with New South Wales winning 30-12 to secure the series victory.
Cleary, widely regarded as the sport’s best player, has often been criticised about his lack of clutch moments in the State of Origin sphere but he silenced any doubters today as he shone and helped the Blues to win their first series since 2024.
The Blues landed an incredible comeback win in the first game of the series with Cleary scoring one of the tries that helped mount that comeback but he mounted the charge today with two first half tries.
Laurie Daley handed the Dolphins’ Jack Bostock a debut on the wing for the Blues and he dropped an early chance but it wasn’t too long after that Nathan Cleary scored his first as he took on the line and managed to power over.
He’d then double up 13 minutes later as the Blues opened up a 12-0 lead and that quickly stretched to 18-0 as Cam Murray, fresh off the bench, forced an error in good territory before scooting over from dummy half.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow continued his incredible State of Origin scoring record as the Dolphins full-back crossed over five minutes before the half-time hooter to offer Queensland some hope.
His Dolphins teammate Selwyn Cobbo then scored inside ten minutes of the second half but with both tries unconverted, the Maroons still remained 10 points down heading into the final 30 minutes.
Just as that Maroons pressure was mounting, Bradman Best cleaned up an attacking kick and raced 95 metres to score and help open up a 16-point lead with just over 20 minutes to play.
Jojo Fifita responded to offer hope for Queensland but it was again unconverted, with Queensland 12 back rather than six back on account of their missed conversions.
New South Wales then let a Sam Walker spiral kick bounce and it was Robert Toia who seized upon it and crossed over, however, there was an offside in the build-up so the Blues’ blushes were spared.
Man of the Match Cleary would kick another penalty before Hudson Young’s last minute try with the Penrith man ending on a personal points tally of 16 as New South Wales secured a 30-12 win to be crowned State of Origin 2026 victors
Cleary would also be named the Wally Lewis medal winner, handed to the best player across the three-game series.
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