‘It Had a Unique Feel’: Andrew Johns Probes Nathan Cleary on Unconventional Theory Behind Goal-Kicking Blunder

Nathan Cleary has shed light on the straightforward explanation for one of his goalkicking mistakes after Andrew Johns suggested an unusual theory regarding the Steeden balls used in Origin I.

During the second half, Johns pointed out discrepancies in the kicking, hypothesising that the balls may have been different.

Interestingly, Cleary experienced one of his worst outings with the boot, missing three conversions. All attempts were from challenging positions on the field, but his third attempt from the sideline was particularly poor, falling short and veering significantly to the left.

“That’s yet another lacklustre kick from Nathan Cleary,” commentator Mat Thompson remarked on Nine.

In the second half when Dylan Edwards scored, Cleary was relieved of his kicking responsibilities as Zac Lomax took over the tee.

“Sometimes the kicker, after missing a few, realises it’s just not their night. They might not be making solid contact or their approach to the ball isn’t quite right,” Cameron Smith commented.

Unfortunately for Lomax, he also missed his attempt, which were likely the simplest of the evening. Val Holmes had a similarly disappointing effort from the sideline for the Maroons.

Following the match, Johns was eager to uncover the truth.

“I’m heading down to the sheds to ask Nathan if there’s any truth to the matter about the balls being slightly different,” he stated.

“Even the sound of the ball during their kicks, it seemed different. Mitchell Moses kicked one into the in-goal area, which is unusual for him.”

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Johns further added that the Origin balls are “a tad bulkier” and variations in their graphics can affect their shape.

“Zac Lomax missed that one by a considerable margin and it was certainly a straightforward kick,” he noted.

When Johns did make his way to the sheds, he simply asked Cleary whether the balls were different or if he just “mucked up” his final attempt.

Unfortunately, it was the latter.

“The last one I kicked was definitely just a cock-up,” Cleary admitted.

“I’ll reflect on that moment and realise there were a lot of thoughts racing through my mind. I had numerous things I wanted to accomplish. I’ve envisioned being back in this arena countless times and had so much I wanted to achieve, but sometimes I need to take a breath and follow the process.”