Origin war of words heats up between rival coaches

NSW Blues coach Michael Maguire has ignited a war of words between his side and the Queensland Maroons ahead of State of Origin Game II on June 26.

The Maroons were unhappy over the treatment of superstar fullback Reece Walsh who was removed from Game I after just seven minutes due to concussion following a high shot for NSW debutant Joseph Suaalii who was subsequently sent off.

The Queensland camp including coach Billy Slater and assistant Johnathan Thurston said they found the incident sickening and believed Walsh was unfairly targeted by NSW players.

When announcing his Game II squad on Monday, Maguire fired back at Queensland and accused the Maroons of double standards and living in “glass houses.”

The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio believes the comments were a deliberate tactic by Maguire to bring back the fire in the Blues’ belly ahead of a must-win clash at the MCG.

“Finally, we have a bit of fire and brimstone because previous Origin preparations have been a bit dull,” Riccio said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“I think (Maguire’s comments) are tactical for the fact that he has chosen to set the scene and galvanise his Blues squad.

“He’s creating an us against them mentality that he didn’t get in Game I.

“Maguire is building a siege mentality and I find it interesting that he went down that path (but) I don’t think it’s wrong.”

Maguire intentionally kept his comments vague but Riccio believes it’s an apparent dig at Slater who did not have an exemplary discipline record.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt that it’s directed at Billy Slater,” Riccio added.

“I don’t doubt it for a second and it’s all part of the theatre and build up.

“Billy will go down as one of the greatest fullbacks we’ve ever seen but he also has a rap sheet.

“The laws of the game were changed because of the way Billy caught the high ball and stuck a leg out (and hit players).

“There’s an element of that to Maguire’s comments.”

State of Origin Game II will be held in Melbourne at the MCG on June 26.

Queensland currently lead the series 1-0 and can claim their third consecutive title with a Game II win.