"Clearly frustrated": Experts have their say on Madge's controversial comments

Rugby league experts have had their say on NSW Blues coach Michael Maguire’s controversial “glass houses” comments with one saying he is “clearly frustrated” while Maroons legend Cameron Smith believes Sydney journalists are trying to spice up the build up for Game II.

Maguire made the comments as the Blues entered camp for the crucial clash at the MCG on June 26 when asked about Queensland coach Billy Slater’s comments on the tackle which saw Joseph Sua'ali'I sent from the field just minutes into the series opener.

Veteran rugby league journalist and SEN’s own expert, Michelle Bishop, said Maguire was “clearly frustrated” by Slater’s response to the incident.

“I guess at how articulate Billy was and just Billy was able to put it all out there without saying anything at all,” she said on Breakfast SENQ.

“You’ve got to give brownie points, so to me it’s 1-0 and that’s 1-0 to Queensland but the points aren’t going to matter on that Wednesday night

While Smith, a former Queensland skipper, believed Sydney journalists were trying to create a feud between the two coaches.

“That’s just a few of those Sydney journos, they’re beating the drums a little bit there,” he said on Breakfast SENQ

“They’re trying to drum up a bit of spice for game two because the build up in Game I, Madge was really professional as Billy was.

“So they’re trying to beat it up a little bit and build up the game because they’re under the pump, they need to spice it up a little bit and find something.

“At the end of the day, that’s not going to worry the Queenslanders too much, they’re up in camp, they’re a settled footy side.”

Bishop also said she was surprised by the rapid change in fortune for recalled Blues centre and South Sydney star Latrell Mitchell.

“I was really surprised with the public push and you just have to laugh at how quickly things change in rugby league,” she said.

“Two weeks ago we were throwing stones at Latrell, he was the worst ever, bad attitude, unfit, didn’t want to be there and now he’s representing the state.”

Mitchell will make his long-awaited return to the Blues side at the MCG on June 26.