Nathan Cleary has revealed that he hasn’t attempted a single goal kick since suffering a groin injury during the State of Origin captain’s run two weeks ago. The New South Wales star struggled with the injury during game two, where the Blues faced a narrow defeat against Queensland in Perth, despite scoring more tries. Goal kicker Zac Lomax’s inability to convert scoring opportunities ultimately cost them the match, as he missed several goals, leaving six points unclaimed.
After missing Penrith’s match in Auckland, Cleary returned to play against the Bulldogs but decided to pass on goal kicking duties due to his ongoing concerns about the injury. As they prepare for the decisive game three, he remains uncertain if he can regain his kicking role for New South Wales next Wednesday. Speaking to the media, Cleary stated, “It’s a call we are probably going to make pretty early in the week… I haven’t had a goal kick yet since it happened and want to avoid any further setbacks.”
In the second Origin match, NSW scored five tries, but Lomax could convert only two, while Queensland’s Val Holmes successfully landed all five of his attempts—this difference was crucial on the scoreboard. Following the defeat, Lomax expressed his disappointment and commitment to improve, noting that he takes pride in his kicking and intends to rectify his missed opportunities if given the chance in the third match.
The upcoming match will be held at Sydney’s Accor Stadium, where the Blues will be eager to bounce back and secure the series. Both Cleary and Lomax’s situations will be pivotal as the team readies itself for this critical showdown.