MARK ‘SPUDD CARROLL: Nathan Cleary’s reputation damaged by selection call that will cost him a Kangaroos spot

Let’s be brutally honest here – Nathan Cleary should never have played State of Origin III.

His decision to take the field last Wednesday night will more than likely cost him a spot in Australia’s Test side.

Cleary couldn’t run properly in Perth, and the injury was still clearly evident in Sydney.

He couldn’t kick in general play and didn’t kick for goals – two obvious signs he was nowhere near being 100 per cent.

Hindsight is easy, but Cleary should have been ruled out.

Granted, there wasn’t a queue of replacement contenders, but no side should ever carry an injured player into a State of Origin game, particularly a decider.

We saw the consequences.

Cleary lacked creativity and Queensland’s rushing defence countered the Blues’ attack - or lack of it - with ease.

His performance may well result in Queensland’s Tom Dearden claiming the Australian halfback spot on the looming Kangaroo tour of England.

If the Australian coach, unbelievably, we still don’t know who it will be, picks on form, then it must be Dearden, who was simply inspirational against NSW.

NSW’s loss may damage Cleary’s legacy in State of Origin.

Many are quick to point out Cleary hasn’t won a decider and, frankly, facts are facts. He hasn’t.

So his decision to play when injured has and will prove costly to the Panthers star.

Speaking of Penrith, I thought NSW employed a similar playing style to the Panthers, given how many of their players were in the NSW side.

No doubt that style has been successful at club level, but it didn’t work in State of Origin.

Queensland’s line speed was extraordinary, and NSW didn’t appear to have a Plan B to fall back on.

Maybe Cleary should have played deeper in attack because he appeared cramped for space and time.

I don’t want to make this column all about criticising Cleary – every person in the NSW camp has to shoulder some responsibility.

It was an awful display from a side that looked lethargic and lazy. The Blues lacked enthusiasm and intensity.

Queensland coach Billy Slater pulled down the pants of his NSW opponent, Laurie Daley.

Slater made the tough calls when needed and showed considerable courage throughout the series.

Laurie is a loyal bloke but I can’t help but think NSW should have tinkered with their team as the series went on. Queensland became better with each game, NSW got worse.

I tell you what I would have done – that’s start Spencer Leniu. I would have told Leniu to go out there and cause havoc for the first 20 minutes.

As solid as he is at club level with Canterbury, I don’t think Max King is a starting prop at Origin level.

He’s just too bloody nice!

And one more thing. Why didn’t NSW run onto Accor Stadium through the tunnel where they have appeared for the past six years?

It might only be small but the roar they received when walking through that tunnel from the adjacent Centre of Excellence, where they warmed-up, was massive.

Maybe that had something to do with our sluggish start to the game.

It was a horrible night for NSW.

I have no doubt things could have been different if we were a little more adventurous.

It’s something Daley will have to mull over for the next 12 months.

DON’T GET ME STARTED

Five in a row?

Don’t bet against it.

The Panthers, after an awfully slow start to the season, are back and purring just seven weeks out from the NRL finals.

No one tipped Penrith to go back-to-back, let alone claim three and then four premierships.

Five in succession seemed absolutely impossible – but it’s now a definite possibility.

Dismiss them at your peril.

And this time would be different, even, even more special.

Why? Because the Panthers have been in and around top place for the past five years – but not this year. They were running dead last earlier this season, giving their opponents a 12-point head start.

So victory this season would come via a different route, proving why Penrith is among the finest – and most versatile club teams of all time.

Last to first – what a story.

The Panthers started the season horrendously, winning just one of the opening six games.

With the club’s season quickly collapsing, most critics banished the Panthers as genuine contenders.

Some people never learn.

Slowly but surely, week after week, Penrith has worked their way back into contention and the building blocks are being laid for another September tilt.

Four wins from their past five games have Penrith – now entrenched in the top eight - menacingly waiting for a top four side to slip up.

Historically, teams outside the top four cannot win the NRL grand final.

Burt this year is so even I reckon a ‘swooper’ may well roar home and grab the chocolates.

And that team could well be Penrith.

A powerful 32-10 win over neighbours and rivals Parramatta on Sunday only strengthened Penrith’s chances.

The Panthers have a system which has stood up in finals over the past five years and a structure which wins big games.

They back themselves through a hardened process, and confidence, which stands up under immense pressure.

And we shouldn’t forget a world class roster led by State of Origin stars Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Dylan Edwards, Liam Martin and Brian To’o.

Penrith is without doubt the greatest club side since the famous St George Dragons won 11 straight titles between 1956 and 1966.

Only a fool would write off the Panthers.

I certainly won’t be falling into that trap.