In the world of rugby league, few players have achieved as much as Nathan Cleary. A four-time premiership winner, three-time Dally M Halfback of the Year, World Cup champion, and Clive Churchill Medallist, Cleary has undoubtedly left his mark on the sport. However, there's one achievement that has eluded him: dominating the State of Origin arena for the NSW Blues. While he has won three series with the Blues, he has never emerged as the key player, instead playing second fiddle to others. This has led to a debate: if Cleary can finally dominate for the Blues in the 2026 State of Origin series, can he be considered an Immortal in waiting? Personally, I think this is a fascinating question. What makes it particularly intriguing is the potential impact on Cleary's future. If he can prove himself in Origin, it could be the key to unlocking his legacy. In my opinion, this is not just about winning a series; it's about achieving dominance and becoming the hands-down leader. One thing that immediately stands out is the contrast between Cleary's success in the NRL and his performance in Origin. While he has dominated the NRL and international arena for Penrith and Australia, he has struggled to make the same impact for the Blues. This raises a deeper question: why has he been unable to dominate at this level? What many people don't realize is that Cleary's performance in Origin has been overshadowed by his success in the NRL. This is not to diminish his achievements, but rather to highlight the unique challenges of playing in Origin. If you take a step back and think about it, you'll realize that Origin is a different beast. It's a high-pressure, high-stakes environment where players are judged on a different set of criteria. This is where Cleary's dominance in the NRL may not translate. Personally, I believe that Cleary's future is tied to his performance in Origin. If he can dominate a series and become the hands-down leader, it could be the key to unlocking his legacy. This would see him join the likes of Andrew Johns, Cameron Smith, and Wally Lewis as the greatest to ever lace up their boots. However, if he continues to struggle, it could raise questions about his ability to dominate at this level. What this really suggests is that Cleary's journey to becoming an Immortal is not just about winning a series; it's about achieving dominance and becoming the hands-down leader. This is a fascinating angle that many people may not have considered. In my opinion, Cleary's future is tied to his performance in Origin. If he can dominate a series and become the hands-down leader, it could be the key to unlocking his legacy. This is a thought-provoking idea that could shape the future of rugby league. Personally, I believe that Cleary has the potential to become an Immortal, but it will take more than just winning a series. He needs to dominate and become the hands-down leader, and this is where the real challenge lies.
