A week is a long time in rugby league.
Nathan Cleary's trajectory has drastically changed, shifting from being the man of the match in Game 1 to facing scrutiny over his position in the NSW Blues ahead of the decider on Wednesday night.
He will etch his name in history during the match at Suncorp Stadium, marking his 20th State of Origin appearance and becoming the most capped halfback for NSW.
Additionally, Cleary will surpass Johnathan Thurston, making him the third-most capped halfback in Origin history, trailing only behind Allan Langer's 34 caps and Daly Cherry-Evans' 22.
This raises an important question: if Cleary struggles on Wednesday night, should Laurie Daley- or whoever is coaching in 2027- reevaluate Cleary's status as an automatic selection for halfback?
Despite the current scrutiny, the Panthers standout has frequently been regarded as one of the first players chosen for the team, especially after leading the Dally M count when it was held behind closed doors.