Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
State of Origin decider selection debate has taken over New South Wales Blues discussion after their 44-24 defeat to Queensland Maroons at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday, but Luke Keary believes Laurie Daley has a bigger problem to solve before Game 3 at Suncorp Stadium.
The former New South Wales Blues player said the focus should not simply be on whether Cameron Murray starts, Mitchell Moses is fit, or Ethan Strange partners Nathan Cleary in the halves. He argued the Blues’ camp environment is the issue after Queensland levelled the series and forced a decider.
For more rugby league coverage, read Canterbury Bulldogs vs Manly Sea Eagles Tips, Odds, Teams & Predictions for NRL Round 16 2026 as attention now turns to another major selection call in the official NRL State of Origin match centre.
Keary Questions New South Wales Environment
“The issue I’ve got, and this is going to be discussed for the next three weeks, is that everyone thinks this is about the team. It’s not about the team at all. It is about the environment that coach creates,” Keary said on NRL 360.
“Look at the Queensland side. There’s guys in there who wouldn’t be in that New South Wales side. That New South Wales team on paper is a better team.”
Keary pointed to Nathan Cleary’s defensive errors as a sign that the Blues were not getting the best from their biggest names. Cleary missed 11 tackles, with Keary noting decisions he said were out of step with the Penrith Panthers halfback’s usual standards.
“At the moment, the New South Wales environment is very inconsistent,” Keary added.
“There’s players playing well, some not so well. Nathan Cleary will go down as one of the best halfbacks that’s ever played her game. The best. In my opinion, he’s the best defensive half that’s ever played our game.
“There were four defensive decisions last night you would never ever see from him ever in this game. He jams out of the line on the first one for the first try. Nathan just doesn’t do that.
“Off the scrum (he) comes up... Nathan never does that. He missed 11 tackles on the night.
“I don’t care who’s in the team. It’s about creating an environment to get the best out of them.”
Strange Or Moses Call Looms
Braith Anasta said New South Wales should consider Ethan Strange beside Cleary, arguing the Blues have often looked better with a controlling halfback and a running five-eighth.
Mitchell Moses was taken off early, though Daley said there was no hamstring issue. Strange came on from the bench only after Queensland had taken control.