“I Still Haven’t Taken a Goal Kick”: Cleary’s Concerning Admission as Key Blues Role Comes Under Scrutiny

Nathan Cleary has revealed that he hasn’t executed a single goal kick since sustaining a groin injury during the State of Origin captain’s run two weeks ago.

The New South Wales star struggled with the injury during game two, resulting in a narrow loss to Queensland in Perth.

Despite scoring more tries than the Maroons, the Blues fell short by two points, with goal kicker Zac Lomax missing six points due to inaccurate kicking.

Cleary missed Penrith’s trip to Auckland, only returning to the field as the Panthers defeated the Bulldogs on Thursday night.

However, he relinquished the goal kicking responsibilities once again, expressing uncertainty about his ability to take the tee for NSW in next Wednesday’s clash.

“It’s a decision we’re likely to make quite early in the week,” Cleary commented on Tuesday.

“Since the injury, I haven’t attempted a goal kick. I don’t want to risk it and face another setback.”

“We’ll just have to wait and see.”

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Although NSW managed five tries in Origin II in Perth, Lomax converted just two of those opportunities.

In contrast, Queensland’s Val Holmes successfully converted all five of his attempts, making the crucial difference on the scoreboard.

Following the defeat, Lomax felt so distraught that he declined to speak to the media.

During Monday’s camp, he expressed his readiness to kick in game three, determined to make up for his earlier performance.

“I take pride in being the best kicker I can be,” he told 9News.

“Goal kicking is a high-risk, high-reward situation, and I certainly feel the weight of that.”.

“I was really let down. As a goal kicker, it’s a passion of mine, and I won’t let this experience change that.”

The deciding match of the Origin series will take place at Sydney’s Accor Stadium.