LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
NSW teammate Zac Lomax has stated that he won't change his approach to goal kicking as the team prepares for the State of Origin decider next Wednesday.
There are ongoing discussions about Nathan Cleary possibly reclaiming the goal-kicking duties.
Cleary is anticipated to be almost fully fit despite dealing with a groin injury sustained during the captain's run in Perth.
Both Cleary and coach Laurie Daley faced criticism after Game 2, particularly with Cleary not taking on the kicking responsibilities during a challenging first half.
Lomax also attempted goal kicks but struggled, as goal-kicking has been a significant issue for NSW in the 2025 series, with both players managing only four successful kicks out of nine attempts.
Lomax notably missed three out of five attempts in the rainy conditions of Perth, contributing to NSW's narrow 26-24 defeat.
Daley has expressed confidence in Lomax stepping up for the decider and indicated that Cleary might not take on the goal-kicking due to his injury, stating, "I doubt whether (Cleary) will goal-kick.
I think we'll go with Zac, and Latrell (Mitchell) or Steve Crichton will be on stand-by if something happens to Zac."
In response to these developments, Panthers and NSW teammate Dylan Edwards provided an update on Cleary's status, suggesting he is making progress but remains uncertain about his role as kicker.
"I think he is tracking alright.
He battled through it early, obviously played Origin 2 with it...he looks pretty good.
Honestly, I am not sure.
I think it is a bit early to tell," Edwards remarked on SEN Radio regarding Cleary's readiness for Game 3.