State of Origin Bombshell: Cleary and Edwards in Crisis as Panthers Crash to Bottom of NRL Ladder

The State of Origin selection headache for NSW coach Laurie Daley is growing more complicated by the week, with star halfback Nathan Cleary and fullback Dylan Edwards under mounting pressure following the Penrith Panthers’ horror start to the 2025 NRL season. Despite their reputations as elite-level players, both have struggled for form amidst Penrith’s slump to the bottom of the ladder after a 26-10 defeat to Manly over the weekend. With six losses from eight games, the reigning premiers find themselves in unfamiliar territory — 17th place — a position they haven’t occupied since May 2019.

Injuries have disrupted both Cleary and Edwards’ seasons, but their recent performances have left critics and fans questioning their State of Origin credentials. Edwards, the incumbent NSW and Australia fullback, could find his position in serious jeopardy as other contenders rise. Meanwhile, Cleary, once considered an automatic selection for the Blues, is no longer a lock for the No.7 jersey. His current form has opened the door for Jarome Luai to potentially retain his place alongside Mitchell Moses, who is widely tipped for a starting spot.

To make matters worse, Penrith’s ill-discipline added to their woes on Saturday night. Scott Sorensen will miss the next two games following a high tackle on Nathan Brown, while both Edwards and Casey McLean were fined for separate incidents.

Although coach Ivan Cleary downplayed the significance of the ladder at this point in the season, he admitted that “when you only win two games, you’re going to be down there somewhere.” For Daley, however, the implications are clear — bold decisions may be needed if the Blues are to reclaim Origin glory.