The 2026 State of Origin series was clinched by New South Wales with a determined 30 to 12 victory at Suncorp Stadium, showcasing resilience, discipline, and the stellar play of Nathan Cleary.
Despite a rising injury toll, key players rose to the challenge when it mattered most.
Tedesco's game was cut short due to a head knock late in the first half, rendering him unable to return. Before his exit, he demonstrated composure and experience, prioritizing tough carries and defensive work while enabling Nathan Cleary and Mitchell Moses to orchestrate the offense. His mature display unfortunately ended earlier than anticipated.
Bostock faced challenges in his Origin debut, with mixed moments. He began strong by successfully fielding a high ball and later applying pressure for a repeat set. However, three handling errors and a Category 1 HIA after another aerial challenge marred his performance. There were encouraging glimpses, yet his inexperience was evident.
Best had a rocky start, missing tackles in the first 20 minutes but improved significantly after halftime. He effectively shut down Queensland's overlaps and showcased his speed with an impressive individual try. Although he conceded a try while defending out of position, his contributions were vital, finishing with 198 running metres.
Crichton displayed moments of brilliance yet faced frustration. His first-half assist was crucial, but his discipline faltered with penalties and missed tackles that overshadowed his strong play.
Nawaqanitawase remained active but struggled with high balls, leading to errors. While his defense improved in the second half, he was unable to assert himself under pressure consistently.
Moses emerged as a steady performer, excelling in his kicking game and rescuing the Blues multiple times with his strategic play, ultimately playing a key role in New South Wales' territory control.
Cleary delivered a standout performance, scoring two tries and expertly engaging Queensland's defense. His impactful play was complemented by a crucial defensive effort, culminating in a late penalty goal that established him as New South Wales' all-time leading Origin point scorer. This was the complete performance fans had been hoping for, earning him the Man of the Match accolade.