Ethan Strange says a match-up he previously had against Nathan Cleary helped create a connection between the two players when Strange was named to start for Origin I. According to multiple reports, Strange’s first move after being selected is to remind Cleary about a specific play from a game in Mudgee, described as the “Miracle in Mudgee.” The moment is presented as an icebreaker that leads to a rapport between the Origin stars. The outlets describe the incident as one of the earliest conversations that follows Strange’s selection to start, linking it to the memory of the earlier contest. While the articles focus on the personal interaction rather than broader match details, they consistently attribute the start of their bond to Strange raising the play and Cleary recognising it. Together, the reports frame the “Miracle in Mudgee” as a shared reference point that brings two players together in the lead-up to Origin football.