In one of the most stunning developments in State of Origin history, Nathan Cleary, the face of New South Wales rugby league, is reportedly in talks to switch allegiances to the Queensland Maroons for the 2026 Origin series.
Multiple (unnamed) insiders have suggested that Cleary, citing a “spiritual connection to Queensland” through his grandfather’s banana farm in Innisfail, has been quietly pursuing eligibility clearance through a long-forgotten loophole in Origin rules.
> “He’s been in Queensland spirit his whole life — just trapped in a Blue jersey,” one source close to the situation claimed.
Fans are already divided, with some Maroons faithful joking that they’ll “finally forgive 2020” if it means having Cleary setting up Munster and Walsh in maroon.
NRL officials have declined to comment, but Cleary was recently spotted enjoying a Bundaberg Rum with Billy Slater and Cameron Smith at an undisclosed Sunshine Coast resort.
Whether it’s smoke or fire, the idea of NSW’s golden boy wearing Maroon has fans on both sides reeling — and memers working overtime.
