All eyes in the rugby league landscape will be focused on Nathan Cleary at CommBank Stadium this Thursday night as he plays for Penrith. New South Wales coaches and selectors are hoping the star halfback can perform without worsening the groin injury that affected him during State of Origin II. Cleary struggled in the first half of the Perth game after sustaining the injury in training the day before. Although he missed the round 16 trip to Auckland along with other Origin representatives, he is likely to feature against the Bulldogs.
Should Cleary be unable to play or if he’s injured during the match, his spot in the NSW team for the July 9 series decider in Sydney could be in jeopardy. Fortunately for NSW, the selectors have several contingencies to consider.
One likely replacement is Matt Burton, as suggested by former Blues captain Paul Gallen. If Cleary can’t play, Jarome Luai, currently playing five-eighth for Wests Tigers but in the No.7 jersey, would shift to halfback, with Burton stepping into the No.6 role. Despite having played two Origin games in 2022 at centre, Burton is seen as a suitable candidate given his club-level experience. The dilemma arises, however, since both Burton and Luai tend to favour their left foot and play on the same side of the field.
Gallen expressed concern over Cleary’s fitness, acknowledging his critical role in the team. Alternatives like Isaiya Katoa, who has been lauded for his talent, could be considered, though Andrew Johns warns against prematurely introducing young talents to the Origin stage without due preparation to prevent potential setbacks in their careers.
Luke Metcalf is also touted as a possible choice, riding high on a breakout season with the Warriors, where he has showcased his capability to manage tight games. However, his performance may be impacted by a recent injury during a loss to Penrith.
Finally, Adam Reynolds, while having a limited history with the Blues, could provide a steady hand alongside Luai. Despite his veteran status nearing 35, Reynolds remains capable of executing crucial plays. He had the opportunity to partner with Luai full-time next season but opted to stay with the Broncos instead of joining the Tigers.
As Cleary’s situation unfolds, the selectors will weigh these options carefully, aware that any decision could significantly impact NSW’s chances in the pivotal series decider.