‘I’m baffled’: Paul Gallen calls on Blues to select overlooked player if Nathan Cleary misses Origin decider

All eyes in the rugby league community will be focused on CommBank Stadium this Thursday evening, with particular attention on Nathan Cleary’s legs.

The coaching staff and selectors of New South Wales will be hoping that the star halfback can complete a match for Penrith without aggravating a groin issue that troubled him during State of Origin II last week.

Cleary was almost unable to contribute for the first half of the match in Perth after sustaining the injury in a training session just a day before.

Alongside his fellow Origin teammates from Penrith, he missed the trip to Auckland in Round 16, but he is anticipated to be named for the Bulldogs clash on Thursday.

If he is unable to play, or if he suffers another injury during this week’s game, his position in the Blues’ halves for the crucial series decider in Sydney on July 9 will be in serious jeopardy.

Fortunately for NSW, selectors have several backup options ready to consider.

MATT BURTON

Former Blues captain Paul Gallen argues that Burton is the clear replacement if Cleary cannot take the field.

Jarome Luai, who typically plays five-eighth but has donned the No. 7 jersey for Wests Tigers this season, would shift to halfback for the Blues and lead the team.

Burton, who played two Origin matches in 2022 as a centre, would then take up the No. 6 role should this scenario play out.

The challenge is that both Burton and Luai are left-footed kickers who predominantly operate on the left side of the field, and both prefer to run the ball.

“It’s a concern whether (Cleary) will be fit to play or not. He’s vital to that team, probably the best player in the game,” Gallen remarked about Cleary on Today on Monday morning.

“If he’s not fit, discussions are already swirling around Isaiya Katoa and other young players.

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“I don’t understand why Matt Burton isn’t being considered—he’s been the 18th man for at least three or four matches.

“Why not go with Jarome Luai (at halfback) and Matt Burton at five-eighth?

“He plays five-eighth for his club; I think that’s the best approach.”

Burton missed out on the No. 6 position in game two when Mitchell Moses was injured during camp, prompting Luai’s selection.

ISAIYA KATOA

This young playmaker is currently the most talked-about prospect in the NRL, receiving glowing endorsements from the legendary Andrew Johns.

However, Johns cautioned Blues selectors over the weekend against rushing Katoa into the Origin spotlight too soon, fearing it could jeopardise his future, much like what happened with former Knights half Jarrod Mullen over a decade ago.

Although Katoa is in excellent form with the Dolphins, he is still developing his skills, having been dropped from the NRL by the supercoach Wayne Bennett at the close of last season.

Nonetheless, at just 21 years old, he’s a true halfback and has been dubbed a Cleary clone, ready to step up if called upon.

LUKE METCALF

This Coffs Harbour native is having a standout season with the Warriors and could be a dark horse for this year’s Dally M Medal.

While he may not have extensive NRL experience—totaling 40 games over five years with both the Sharks and the Warriors—at 26, he has been in the game long enough to handle the pressure of a big stage.

He has demonstrated a talent for sealing tight matches and is currently in outstanding form, rivaling any playmaker in the league.

However, Metcalf appeared to be struggling with an injury during his team’s loss to Penrith in Round 16, which raises questions about his availability.

ADAM REYNOLDS

The veteran halfback has surprisingly only featured in two Blues matches throughout his career—back in 2016—and lost both.

If selectors are after a steady presence to support Luai in Cleary’s absence, Reynolds would certainly fit the bill.

As he approaches 35, he still possesses the capability to direct a team and make crucial plays when necessary.

Reynolds could have partnered Luai as a full-time halves combination next year if he had accepted an offer from the Tigers, but instead chose to remain with the Broncos.

Nonetheless, the Blues might be hesitant to go for an older option given the struggles experienced by Daly Cherry-Evans in the first game, which resulted in Queensland dropping him.