LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
On July 10, 2019, Nathan Cleary experienced a moment of pure ecstasy as James Tedesco scored a game-winning try during the State of Origin series, creating an unforgettable atmosphere at Accor Stadium.
This moment is often compared to Mark Coyne's iconic try in 1994, cementing Tedesco's place in NSW rugby league history.
Cleary recalls the "deafening roar" of the crowd as Tedesco broke free and sealed the victory for the Blues.
Fast forward six years, NSW is gearing up for another high-stakes battle at a sold-out Accor Stadium, the first decider held at this venue since that historic night.
Remarkably, none of the players from the 2019 decider are part of the current Blues team preparing for Wednesday's match.
Notably, Payne Haas, Angus Crichton, and Latrell Mitchell played in Game One of the 2019 series, while Cleary participated in the first two games before an ankle injury sidelined him for the decisive match.
In his place, Mitchell Pearce was brought into the lineup, leaving Cleary to watch from the stands alongside more than 80,000 fans as Tedesco delivered a stunning finish, sprinting past Moses Mbye to score.
As the new squad steps onto the field, they carry the weight of past triumphs and the hope of creating their own historical moments, echoing Tedesco's 2019 miracle.
The anticipation surrounding the match underscores the significant legacy of the NSW Blues and their pursuit of glory in the State of Origin series.