The lead-up to this State of Origin series has been notably amiable, perhaps even the most uneventful in history.
Historically, this could favour New South Wales as the Blues prepare to launch another ambush at Suncorp Stadium.
Queensland, after all, has a knack for thriving in the face of adversity.
With their backs against the wall, they often rally with the mantra, everyone is against us, so let’s show them what we can do!
It’s been 30 years since Paul Vautin guided his legendary Neville Nobody’s, including a young Ben Ikin, to an extraordinary 3-0 clean sweep.
In 2020, the Maroons were labelled the worst Origin team ever assembled, a critique echoed by a Sydney media outlet that, to be fair, was largely accurate.
Queensland coach Billy Slater. Getty
Yet Wayne Bennett managed to steer that battler squad to a series triumph. Because, naturally, that’s just what the Maroons do.
This year, they are again seen as underdogs by the bookmakers.
However, the expected adversity hasn’t materialised.
No whispers of injuries or illnesses have emerged from the Queensland camp. Contrarily, no one has dubbed them the worst team ever in rugby league history.
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The closest the Maroons have come to controversy this week is an exchange involving “Backdoor” Benny Elias targeting captain Daly Cherry-Evans for having lunch with referee Ashley Klein.
Kudos to the legendary hooker for at least attempting to ignite some interest and generate headlines.
Queensland’s players and coaching staff have notably avoided mentioning Spencer Leniu by name—although one can imagine they are discussing him behind closed doors, likely focused on avenging the firebrand forward’s earlier comments about Johnathan Thurston from nearly two months ago.
If there’s any tension between the two squads, it’s being maintained very privately.
Coach Billy Slater praised the opposition generously when asked by Today host Karl Stefanovic about stirring up a rivalry on Tuesday morning.
“You have to respect your opposition. They are a quality side,” Slater remarked.
“Payne Haas and Stephen Crichton have had some disrupted preparations… but these days, everyone is a professional, especially those two. If they take the field, they’ll be at their best.”
Spencer Leniu will be public enemy No.1 in Queensland. Getty
“I’ve got immense respect for the entire coaching and support staff of NSW. I know them well,” he added.
This seems to represent a newfound strategy from Slater, who has previously had a frosty relationship with the media.
Last year, Queensland clashed with Blues coach Michael Maguire over his “glass house” comment regarding blues rookie Joseph Suaalii’s tackle on Reece Walsh in game one.
The Maroons triumphed in that game, partly due to the Blues being down to 12 men.
Yet as the series escalated in intensity, the Blues clinched game two and three, including a thrilling win at Suncorp, to claim the shield.
It appears Slater is cautious about igniting any further hostilities this year, likely in an attempt to avoid a repeat scenario. Both camps are attempting to maintain a low profile—will this approach be successful or end up backfiring?
The most talked-about topic this week has been Stephen Crichton’s exit from Blues training on Monday due to injury.
NSW legend and former coaching adviser Greg Alexander claimed on Monday that he wasn’t even aware an Origin match was scheduled this week.
“When you said Origin is on this Wednesday, I had completely forgotten,” Alexander told his SEN co-host Andrew Voss.
The NRL will be hoping Brandy isn’t alone in forgetting the series kicks off on Wednesday night.
However, those at the Moore Park headquarters are also likely wishing for someone—anyone—to inject some excitement into the opener.
Coach Billy Slater chats with his assistant Josh Hannay during a training session. Getty
Blues captain Isaah Yeo was repeatedly asked by journalists on Tuesday for any comments on the rivalry. He chuckled and noted that it’s not in his nature to say anything derogatory.
Leniu and Latrell Mitchell, two of the more intriguing personalities in either camp this year, have been placed under media restrictions and have refrained from making any statements.
NSW debutant Max King might just be the kindest player in State of Origin history, going by his interview with 9News on Sunday.
While the niceties may fade come kick-off on Wednesday night, it will be fascinating to see whether Slater’s new approach pays dividends for the Maroons.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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