The article centers on the fallout from comments made about Spencer Leniu, a New South Wales player, who was labeled a "grub" by Queensland's media. This sparked a heated response from various players and officials.
Queensland coach, Billy Slater, responded to the controversy, emphasizing the importance of character and respectful treatment, also referencing the late Paul Green. He downplayed the pressure he feels while stating that his team will do their best to win.
The article discusses the potential starting lineup for Queensland, specifically focusing on the debate over whether Harry Grant will start or be a reserve. Additionally, Cameron Munster's support for Slater and his promise to stand by their coach are mentioned.
Aaron Woods' provocative comments that ruffled feathers are noted; he defended his actions while also making a reference to the "boring" first game. The article further details a lack of comment from Woods after being contacted.
The article concludes with important contact information for Lifeline and beyondblue, providing resources for those needing support.
“I believe the character of a person is judged more on what they say about people, and how they treat people, than what an individual says to create attention about someone. There’s your answer.”
Green, who coached Queensland in 2021, took his own life in 2022 aged 49.
NSW officials pointed out afterwards that Queensland’s tabloid newspaper, The Courier Mail, had run a picture of NSW forward Spencer Leniu with the headline, ‘Smash This Blues Grub’, the day before Origin I, prompting Daley to say: “Grub is a heavy word”.
Woods later explained he had felt the need to “ruffle up some feathers” after a lacklustre build-up to Origin I and a first game he said was “boring”.
Woods, who was later referred to by former Queensland forward Corey Parker as “Sharon Woods”, did not wish to comment when contacted and said: “Tune into Triple M in the morning.”
Queensland skipper Cameron Munster said the Maroons would use Woods’ attack on their coach as ammunition on Wednesday night.
“When you’ve got a guy like Billy Slater as a coach, and what he’s done in the game, it does hurt a bit, especially the comments from someone in particular,” Munster said.
“We’ve got a lot of pressure on us at the moment, we’re 1-0 down, and he [Slater] is copping a lot of slack, but he’s doing everything he can. We need to stand up for him, and we need to do that Wednesday night.”
Loading
When a fan yelled out to Slater that he was “under pressure” at the start of the media conference, Slater said: “What is pressure? To me, the opposite to pressure is comfort, so you’re either comfortable or in a pressure situation. Of course there’s pressure. The day there’s no pressure, I’ll be a bit worried.”
Slater’s Queensland side will try to avoid losing the series at Optus Stadium on Wednesday night after NSW won the opening game 18-6.
There has been plenty of debate about whether the Maroons will start Harry Grant at No. 9 or relegate him to the interchange.
“We still have another training session to go, and we don’t have to make our final decision until tomorrow, but that’s the plan [to start Grant] at this stage,” Slater said.
If you or anyone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 131 114, beyondblue on 1800 512 348
If you often open multiple tabs and struggle to keep track of them, Tabs Reminder is the solution you need. Tabs Reminder lets you set reminders for tabs so you can close them and get notified about them later. Never lose track of important tabs again with Tabs Reminder!
Try our Chrome extension today!
Share this article with your
friends and colleagues.
Earn points from views and
referrals who sign up.
Learn more