Nathan Cleary delivered the defining Origin performance of his career, inspiring NSW to a stunning Game 3 upset over Queensland and ending years of debate about his impact on the representative stage.
State of Origin Game 3
Review
Written off by plenty of pundits pre-game, New South Wales shocked Queensland in Game 3 at Suncorp Stadium, recording their second win in a Brisbane decider since 2004.
New South Wales took the home crowd out of the contest early, leading 18-0 after 30 minutes. Wally Lewis Medallist Nathan Cleary was a massive part of this: he not only scored two tries himself, but his one-on-one strip on Selwyn Cobbo also led to Cameron Murray’s try.
A couple of crucial moments ensured the Blues’ 18-4 half-time lead would be enough. The first came when Bradman Best scored in the 56th minute, running 95 metres. While there was conjecture over whether Jack Bostock got a touch on Reece Walsh’s bomb, the try was awarded. The second came when Robert Toia scored off a Sam Walker bomb in the 67th minute. While the try would have reduced New South Wales’ lead to 24-18, it was disallowed when Max Plath was ruled offside from Walker’s kick.
With 721 kicking metres, Mitchell Moses justified Laurie Daley’s faith in him when many wanted Ethan Strange retained at five-eighth. It was an example of Daley sticking to his plan – despite plenty of criticism – and being rewarded.
Queensland had dominated the majority of the series so far (aside from the period without Kalyn Ponga in Sydney), so this performance was a letdown: 46% possession, a 70% completion rate, 47 missed tackles, and 13 errors. While this disappointing finish will motivate Queensland to atone in 2027, the question remains: will Billy Slater return as coach?
This win could define Cleary’s legacy. For all his genius during Penrith’s four-premiership run, his perceived inability to replicate that success for New South Wales had become a sticking point in discussions about his greatness. While that criticism seemed harsh, scoring 18 points in an Origin decider — and giving the Blues the fast start they needed — will surely silence the doubters for good. He also overtook Michael O’Connor as NSW’s greatest points-scorer (132) as the Blues won their third straight game at Suncorp Stadium.
As for Daley, this was the perfect way to answer those who criticised his selection decisions throughout the series. He can point to his two series wins as proof of his success, including breaking Queensland’s eight-series winning streak in 2014. While a series loss this year may have ended Daley’s time as Blues coach, he now has the luxury of choosing whether to stay on for 2027 or leave on a high.
Result
Maroons vs Blues
Full Time: Maroons 12 – 30 Blues
Maroons 12 (Tries: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 34′; Selwyn Cobbo 48′; Jojo Fifita 63′)
Blues 30 (Tries: Nathan Cleary 14′, 26′; Cameron Murray 29′; Bradman Best 56′; Hudson Young 80′. Goals: Nathan Cleary 15′, 27′, 30′, 58′. Penalty Goals: Nathan Cleary 70′)
Half-Time Score: Maroons 4 – 18 Blues
Date: Wednesday 8th July, 2026
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Maroons Team
| Number | Player | Position | Tries | Goals | Penalty Goals | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kalyn Ponga | Fullback | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2 | Selwyn Cobbo | Winger | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| 3 | Robert Toia | Centre | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 4 | Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow | Centre | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| 5 | Jojo Fifita | Winger | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| 6 | Cameron Munster | Five-Eighth | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 7 | Sam Walker | Halfback | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 8 | Thomas Flegler | Prop | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 9 | Harry Grant | Hooker | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 10 | Tino Fa’asuamaleaui | Prop | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 11 | Briton Nikora | 2nd Row | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 12 | Kurt Capewell | 2nd Row | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 13 | Reuben Cotter | Lock | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 14 | Max Plath | Interchange | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 16 | Jeremiah Nanai | Interchange | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 17 | Trent Loiero | Interchange | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 18 | Reece Walsh | Interchange | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Team Total | 3 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
Blues Team
| Number | Player | Position | Tries | Goals | Penalty Goals | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | James Tedesco | Fullback | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2 | Jack Bostock | Winger | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 3 | Bradman Best | Centre | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| 4 | Stephen Crichton | Centre | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 5 | Mark Nawaqanitawase | Winger | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 6 | Mitchell Moses | Five-Eighth | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 7 | Nathan Cleary | Halfback | 2 | 4 | 1 | 18 |
| 8 | Payne Haas | Prop | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 9 | Reece Robson | Hooker | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 10 | Mitchell Barnett | Prop | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 11 | Hudson Young | 2nd Row | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| 12 | Liam Martin | 2nd Row | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 13 | Isaah Yeo | Lock | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 14 | Cameron Murray | Interchange | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| 15 | Addin Fonua-Blake | Interchange | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 17 | Blayke Brailey | Interchange | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 19 | Tolutau Koula | Interchange | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 18 | Ethan Strange | Interchange | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Team Total | 5 | 4 | 1 | 30 |
Match Review
State of Origin Game 3 Judiciary 2026: New South Wales forward Hudson Young has been charged following State of Origin Game 3, cited for a dangerous throw by the Match Review Committee.
Match Review Committee Charges
| Player | Team | Incident | Grade | Early Plea | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hudson Young | NSW | Dangerous Throw | Grade 1 | 7% match fee | 10% match fee |
Hudson Young Charge Details
Young was charged with a Grade 1 dangerous throw following an incident in the 5th minute of State of Origin Game 3 against Jojo Fifita. The charge was classified as a first offence, resulting in a percentage-based fine.
Early Plea: 7% of match fee
If Found Guilty at Panel: 10% of match fee
Related Coverage
- /state-of-origin-game-3-2026/State of Origin Game 3 Hub
- /state-of-origin-game-3-team-lists-2026/Origin Game 3 Team Lists
- /state-of-origin-game-3-preview-2026/Origin Game 3 Preview
- /state-of-origin-2026-series/State of Origin Series Coverage
