Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

State of Origin decider pressure is firmly on New South Wales, with Nathan Cleary challenged to reclaim control after Sam Walker outplayed him across the opening two matches of the series.

Queensland host the Blues at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night, where the shield will be decided and New South Wales chase what would be one of their most unlikely series wins.

The build-up follows another major Origin storyline, with New South Wales Blues facing a legacy test in the State of Origin decider.

Walker Puts Cleary In The Shade

Cooper Cronk and Greg Alexander both admitted Walker’s form had been a surprise.

“Did you think before this series started that Sam Walker would outplay Nathan Cleary?” Cronk asked Alexander on Matty and Cronk.

“No, I don’t think too many people thought of that. There were just question marks about how Sam would handle it,’ Alexander said.

“He seems to have that personality as someone confident enough to go out there and say, ‘I belong’.”

Cronk said Walker’s defence and kicking game had stood out more than expected.

“The thing that surprised me, and I didn’t see this before the series started, I didn’t see Sam Walker out-defending Nathan, and I didn’t see Sam Walker’s game management kicking outperforming Nathan. That’s the two key parts Sam Walker has delivered for me,” Cronk said.

Blues Halves Need Control

Alexander believes Cleary must take ownership of the New South Wales attack.

“But I think Nathan has to just own the game for NSW. He has to be the one that gets the most touches. I think he has to play like a genuine seven.”

Mitchell Moses also needs a sharper running threat after a quiet game two.

Cronk said Moses should attack short sides with Hudson Young rather than going too early out the back to James Tedesco.

How New South Wales Can Win

Alexander said the Blues must lift their defensive line speed and pressure Walker and Cameron Munster through Liam Martin and Hudson Young.

Cronk believes New South Wales must score first, because chasing points at Suncorp Stadium could become too difficult.

Official State of Origin updates are available through the NRL.