Nathan Cleary, Ethan Strange Recreate ‘Miracle in Mudgee’ Play Before Origin Clash

Ethan Strange, named to start at half‑back for New South Wales in the upcoming State of Origin game, approached veteran Nathan Cleary to discuss the “Miracle in Mudgee” try that helped Canberra defeat Penrith in round 25 of the 2025 NRL season. The play saw Jamal Fogarty feed a short ball to a sprinting Strange, who broke through the defensive line to score.

Cleary and Strange rehearsed the move during a captain’s run and attempted it in the Origin match at Accor Stadium, but a mistimed run by Haumole Olakau’atu led to a video‑referee overturn. Cleary praised Strange’s confidence, noting the bond forged by revisiting the Mudgee play ahead of the Penrith‑Canberra clash in the central‑western town.