Footy fans all say the same thing about Penrith star Nathan Cleary - as Maroons survive dramatic late NSW surge to level the series

Nathan Cleary appeared to defer kicking duties for New South Wales star Zac Lomax on Wednesday night after the Penrith Panthers playmaker took to the footy field for State of Origin II with some strapping on his thigh.

Despite a spirited second-half comeback, the Blues couldn't quite seal victory, with Cameron Munster's side holding out in a dramatic finish, to win the match 26-24 and level the series at 1-1.  

The sight of the white support grip on his right hamstring sent tongues wagging on social media, with some New South Wales fans left baffled at why the four-time premiership-winning half was playing in such a crucial game.

Though the nature of the injury still appears unknown, the 27-year-old did not kick in the captain's run, however, continued to play out the match, even crossing the whitewash to score a try that was later disallowed for obstruction.

It also comes as Cleary didn't play last week, with the Panthers on a bye round.

NRL Physio wrote on X: 'Nathan Cleary is playing through a right thigh issue in Origin 2 that is restricting his kicking.

'He has handed the goal kicking over to Zac Lomax & was reportedly unable to kick at the captain’s run. Wearing thigh compression that he hasn’t previously as well.'

But the post prompted many fans to question why he started, with some arguing Dolphins star Isaiya Katoa should have been given a chance to play.

'Should have pulled out if not fit, Katoa would have added more than he is showing,' one wrote on X.

'Why play him?' another said, while one argued: 'Why is he playing then.'

'So he can’t run? And he’s playing oh my god it can’t get any more stupid,' another wrote.

One even asked what Laurie Daly's side had been doing in training: 'Moses and Cleary, what are they doing at training?'

In Cleary's absence, Lomax, who was placed on report during the match for an elbow on Trent Loiero, kicked two conversions, off a possible five shots at goal.

New South Wales came out the blocks flying in the first half, with Brian To'o, who scored a hat-trick of tries, crossing the line after six minutes.

However, it was a spirited comeback performance from the Maroons, who ultimately levelled the series at 1-1.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow took a brace of tries, while Cameron Munster - a stand-out - and Kurt Capewell both crossed over before half-time.

The Blues kept the Maroons scoreless in the second term, with tries from Stephen Crichton and his namesake Angus late on putting the pressure on the Maroons.

It was a tight finish, but Billy Slater's side ultimately hung on to get the win.

More to follow...