BREAKING: Stephen Crichton makes State of Origin confession as questions emerge around Nathan Cleary.. DETAILS >

BREAKING: Stephen Crichton makes State of Origin confession as questions emerge around Nathan Cleary..

 

DETAILS >

**BREAKING: Penrith Star Stephen Crichton Admits Origin Fear as Questions Swirl Over Nathan Cleary’s Form**

 

*June 26, 2025 — Sydney, Australia*

 

A bombshell confession from **Stephen Crichton**, the Penrith Panthers centre-turned-Bulldogs skipper and NSW Blues regular, has sent shockwaves through the rugby league world. Meanwhile, doubts continue to mount regarding the form of Blues captain **Nathan Cleary** ahead of Game II of the State of Origin series.

 

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### 🚨 Crichton Opens Up on Origin Pressure

 

In a candid interview ahead of the series, Crichton, who debuted for New South Wales in 2022 and has since made 11 appearances, revealed he battled significant **mental strain under Origin spotlight**, especially during his early days.

 

> “It wasn’t just the hits, it was the expectations,” Crichton admitted. “I was carrying the weight of my club, my teammates, and that heritage. There were moments I doubted myself.” ([en.wikipedia.org][1])

 

Despite this, Crichton emphasized that the intensity ultimately **strengthened his resolve**, allowing him to evolve into a leader for both NSW and his new team, the Bulldogs.

 

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### ⚠️ Cleary’s Form Under Microscope

 

While Crichton bravely shared his internal battle, criticism is pouring in for Nathan Cleary, the Blues’ pivotal halfback and talisman. Known for steering Penrith to five straight Grand Finals, Cleary has yet to clinch an Origin win and has drawn critiques for **faltering form**.

 

NSW coach Brad Fittler downplayed recent concerns, insisting Cleary remains indispensable. But Canberra Times reports the Blues camp is “rubbishing claims” of Cleary’s waning confidence ahead of Game II .

 

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### 🧭 The State of Play

 

* **Crichton’s admission** puts a human face on Origin pressure — but NSW will count on his growing composure and impact under stress.

* **Cleary’s recent dip** could force Fittler to reconfigure his spine, especially if the halfback continues to struggle under scrutiny.

* With **Game II just days away**, both players are back in the spotlight — Crichton as a rising mental warrior, Cleary as the beleaguered leader fighting to reclaim form.

 

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### 🔮 What Lies Ahead

 

Two contrasting storylines are colliding: one of personal growth through adversity, and the other of high-stakes performance under fire. As NSW refines its attack, all eyes are on Cleary’s kickoff decisions and Crichton’s poise in big moments.

 

Can New South Wales harness Crichton’s newfound resilience and revive Cleary’s Origin dominance? Or will these questions cast a shadow on their chances in Game II?

 

The series is heating up — Origin just got even more compelling.