Nathan Cleary, the New South Wales Blues' star player, has finally opened up about the devastating loss to Queensland in Game III of the 2025 State of Origin series. In a candid interview on the Unscripted podcast, Cleary shared his thoughts on the heartbreaking defeat, revealing the emotional toll it took on him and his teammates. The loss was particularly tough for Cleary, who has been under intense scrutiny and pressure to perform at an elite level, with many critics questioning his ability to lead the Blues to victory.
Cleary's honesty and vulnerability in the interview have sparked a wider conversation about the expectations placed on him and other high-profile rugby league players. Rugby league legend Andrew Johns, who was also a guest on the podcast, weighed in on the discussion, offering his insights on the pressures of playing at the top level. Johns emphasized the importance of managing expectations and maintaining a healthy mindset, particularly in the face of intense media scrutiny and public pressure. The interview has shed new light on the psychological aspects of the game, highlighting the need for players to prioritize their mental well-being in order to perform at their best.
The 2025 State of Origin series was marked by controversy and drama, with the Blues ultimately falling short of their goal of winning the series. Despite their best efforts, the team was unable to overcome the might of the Queensland Maroons, who took out the series 2-1. The loss was a bitter pill to swallow for Cleary and his teammates, who had worked tirelessly to prepare for the series. However, as Cleary noted in the interview, the experience has taught him valuable lessons about resilience and perseverance, and he is already looking to the future and the challenges that lie ahead.
As the rugby league community looks to the upcoming 2026 season, all eyes will be on Cleary and the Blues as they seek to redeem themselves and bring home a series victory. With the weight of expectation still firmly on his shoulders, Cleary will need to draw on all his experience and skill to lead his team to success. The interview on the Unscripted podcast has provided a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of the game's top players, and has set the stage for what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable 2026 season.
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