![Clean set of heels: Nathan Cleary outpaces Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to the line at Mount Smart Stadium on Friday.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170716034429im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/x/b/y/u/b/image.related.landscape.460x307.gxbydk.png/1500113744490.jpg)
Gus is right, I'm not ready for Origin, admits Cleary
Phil Gould reckons Nathan Cleary isn't ready for State of Origin Origin. And Nathan Cleary couldn't agree more.
Adrian Proszenko is Chief Rugby League Reporter.
Phil Gould reckons Nathan Cleary isn't ready for State of Origin Origin. And Nathan Cleary couldn't agree more.
After years of trying to bring Laurie Daley down in the State of Origin arena, one of the greatest Queenslanders of them all, Mal Meninga, has backed the under-fire Blues coach to remain in the role.
He was compared to the late, great Arthur Beetson after his game one heroics, but Andrew Fifita was subsequently so effectively shut down that he isn't considered one of the best 17 players in this year's State of Origin series.
Newcastle has won the race for the signature of Connor Watson after granting the Roosters utility his wish of playing in the halves.
The Blues are bracing for the backlash that comes with yet another series loss, summed up by James Maloney as one in which "we just beat ourselves".
However you wish to describe it, there needs to be a change in the NSW mentality.
Laurie Daley has yet to make a definitive call on whether he seeks to remain in charge of the Blues, but gave the biggest hint yet this series will be his last at the helm.
Just over a month ago, on this same patch of grass, Andrew Fifita was being compared to the late, great Arthur Beetson.
Some of the biggest names from the sporting, entertainment and political spheres have sent messages of support to the Blues ahead of the State of Origin decider.
The Rugby League Players' Association is holding out against the NRL's bid to seize players' phone and bank records, limiting its ability to investigate integrity matters such as those involving Manly.
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