Nathan Cleary acknowledges his game-one masterclass may not completely silence doubters of his State of Origin record, but the defiant NSW halfback simply does not care.
The Blues erased a 20-0 deficit on Wednesday night and pulled off the biggest comeback in Origin history to take a 1-0 series lead into game two on June 17.
"It felt like a nightmare in the first half and then it felt like a dream," Cleary said.
"That's rugby league, that's why we all love it. Happy to be on the right side of it tonight."
Kalyn Ponga's controversial send-off helped the Blues' case, but Cleary's attacking nous proved essential in the come-from-behind win.
"I want to stand up in those big moments and be a good teammate and make it a special night for all of us," said Cleary, named player of the match.
