Debate erupts over 'poor' act after Nathan Cleary awarded State of Origin player of series

NRL fans are debating the decision to award Nathan Cleary the Wally Lewis medal after he was booed by Queensland supporters following a State of Origin victory. The controversy highlights the intense regional rivalry inherent in the sport.
Why it matters
Sports controversies regarding awards and fan behavior reflect the deep-seated cultural and regional identities associated with professional sports leagues.
NRL viewers are debating the actions of fans who booed Nathan Cleary after he was named Wally Lewis medallist following the State of Origin decider on Wednesday night. And there's even debate about whether the NSW champion deserved the player of the series gong.
The article presents both sides of the fan debate and includes quotes from the athlete, maintaining a balanced perspective.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in