How the ‘Miracle in Mudgee’ inspired an unlikely bond between two Origin stars

One of the first things Ethan Strange did when he was named to start in the halves for NSW on the eve of Origin I was to ask Nathan Cleary about the Miracle in Mudgee. Not to gloat about that length-of-the-field try that won the game in extra time – Strange wanted to discuss the other play he ran against Penrith that night.

In the 75th minute of the Raiders’ epic 20-16 golden point win in round 25 of last season, Canberra were attacking Penrith’s line when Strange drifted from the left side of the field to the right.

Halfback Jamal Fogarty threw a short ball for Strange on the runaround, and he used his speed and power to get on the outside of Scott Sorensen and inside Blaize Talagi to score a try.

Cleary, a student of the game, knew exactly what Strange was talking about when the subject was raisedbefore Origin I. The chat came not long after it had become clear Strange would be starting ahead of the injured Mitchell Moses.

Cleary and Strange rehearsed it at the captain’s run on the Tuesday, then attempted the play approaching the hour mark at Accor Stadium as the Blues started their comeback against a 12-man Queensland.

Strange, 21, playing in his first Origin game and growing in confidence with every minute, did much the same as he did that night in Mudgee – drifted to the right, called for the ball and steamrolled Cameron Munster to score.

The play worked to perfection, but a mistimed run from back-rower Haumole Olakau’atu, who collided with Harry Grant while serving as a decoy runner, resulted in the four-pointer being overturned by the video referee.

Four points might not have been the result in Origin, but the manner in which the playmakers replicated the move was there for all to see. The connection had been quickly established.

In the countdown to Saturday’s Penrith-Canberra clash in the town in NSW’s central western, Cleary praised Strange for backing himself on the big stage.

“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 said.

“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.

“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.”

NSW coach Laurie Daley recalled the pair discussing the play.

“The only time I can remember them trying that play was at the captain’s run,” Daley said. “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.

“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.

“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.”

The Raiders are chasing a fifth straight win in the hope of keeping their finals hopes alive, while Penrith are without Dylan Edwards (shoulder) and Talagi, who was dropped to reserve grade for Jack Cogger, and will do well not to let their attention drift to the next fortnight when top-four opponents the Warriors and Sydney Roosters await.