A pivotal moment from a previous NRL season, dubbed the ‘Miracle in Mudgee,’ has unexpectedly forged a strong connection between two prominent State of Origin stars, New South Wales’ Ethan Strange and Queensland’s Nathan Cleary. The unlikely bond emerged as Strange, preparing for his debut in the State of Origin series, sought out Cleary not to celebrate a game-winning try, but to dissect a specific play from their previous encounter.
The Genesis of the ‘Miracle in Mudgee’
The ‘Miracle in Mudgee’ refers to a dramatic golden point victory by the Canberra Raiders over the Penrith Panthers in round 25 of the previous season. In the dying minutes of the game, with scores locked, the Raiders executed a play that would ultimately secure their win. Strange, then a young player gaining recognition, was involved in a crucial try. As halfback Jamal Fogarty passed the ball in a run-around play, Strange utilized his speed and power to break through the Panthers’ defense, scoring a try that sent the Raiders towards an epic 20-16 win.
From Club Rivalry to Origin Camaraderie
When Strange was unexpectedly named to start in the halves for the New South Wales Blues ahead of Origin I, one of his first actions was to contact Nathan Cleary. Far from seeking to boast about the match-winning try, Strange was keen to discuss another specific play from that same Mudgee match. He wanted to revisit a particular attacking move he had executed against Cleary’s Panthers.
Cleary, widely regarded as a meticulous student of the game, immediately understood which play Strange was referring to. This conversation occurred shortly after it became apparent that Strange would fill the void left by the injured NSW playmaker Mitchell Moses. The shared interest in a specific tactical play quickly transcended their club rivalry.
Rehearsing the Play for the Origin Stage
The connection between the two players was further solidified when they had the opportunity to rehearse the play during the NSW team’s captain’s run session on the Tuesday before Origin I. The intention was to replicate the successful Mudgee tactic on the grandest stage of New South Wales rugby league.
During the Origin I match, with the Blues trailing and facing a numerical disadvantage after a Queensland player was sent to the sin bin, the pair attempted to execute the familiar play. As the game approached the hour mark, Strange, now visibly growing in confidence during his debut Origin appearance, drifted towards the right side of the field. He called for the ball, initiating a similar move to the one that had proven so effective in Mudgee.
Strange’s powerful run saw him break through the Queensland defense, steamrolling opposition player Cameron Munster. The execution appeared flawless, and the play seemed destined to result in a crucial try for the Blues. However, the video referee ultimately disallowed the four-pointer. A mistimed run by a decoy runner, back-rower Haumole Olakau’atu, who collided with Queensland’s Harry Grant, led to the try being overturned.
A Shared Confidence and Mutual Respect
Despite the disallowed try in Origin I, the very act of replicating the play demonstrated the strong connection that had been rapidly established between Strange and Cleary. The shared understanding and willingness to execute a specific, high-risk play highlighted a mutual respect and confidence.
Reflecting on the lead-up to an upcoming club match between Penrith and Canberra, Cleary spoke highly of Strange’s self-belief. “It’s a credit to him – it’s a play he likes, and as soon as he found out he was playing [Origin I], he came up to me and said, ‘Let’s run it’,” Cleary stated. “I was like, yeah sweet, and we got it on. Unfortunately, it didn’t end up a try, but it was nice to have someone there with that confidence to say, let’s do it.”
Cleary also recalled the initial shock of the ‘Miracle in Mudgee’ from his perspective. “All I remember from that night last year [in Mudgee] was me missing the field goal, then ‘Strangey’ cracking me with the left foot, then they ran the length. It was a pretty bad feeling. Hopefully we can turn it around on Saturday,” he added, referencing the upcoming club fixture.
Coaching Perspective on the Developing Partnership
The former NSW coach, Laurie Daley, who observed the developing dynamic, confirmed the pair’s discussion about the play. “The only time I can remember them trying that play was at the captain’s run,” Daley commented. “I knew once they got into the position they did in game one, then Strangey started to move, I knew it was coming. You just wait to see what happens off the back of it. I thought it was great. You have to play to your strengths.”
Daley further elaborated on the significance of the play and the players involved. “You don’t always see that play because a lot of the five-eighths aren’t runners – some just hold an edge – and you also need the power to do it. It also shows you what Nath is about and how he’s happy to listen and try anything – he’s all about the team.” He concluded by noting the anticipation for their upcoming club clash: “Those two will come up against each other on Saturday on the same side of the field. Penrith will know how strong Ethan is. He’s such a wonderful player.”
Looking Ahead: Club Rivalry and Future Potential
The upcoming match between the Penrith Panthers and the Canberra Raiders carries significant weight for both teams. The Raiders are striving for a fifth consecutive victory to bolster their finals aspirations. Meanwhile, the Panthers are navigating challenges, including the absence of key player Dylan Edwards due to a shoulder injury, and a reshuffling of their backline with Blaize Talagi being moved to reserve grade.
Despite the immediate focus on their club commitments, the connection forged between Ethan Strange and Nathan Cleary through the ‘Miracle in Mudgee’ play serves as a compelling narrative. It highlights how moments of individual brilliance and tactical understanding can transcend team loyalties, fostering respect and an unexpected camaraderie between rivals on the rugby league field.
