Ricky Stuart: Please shut up

 
tonysalerno Roar Guru

By , 13 Jun 2012 tonysalerno is a Roar Guru

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    “Smug, arrogant bigheads” is the label Ricky Stuart gave to the Queenslanders’ attitude as they close in on a 7th straight origin victory.

    But isn’t it a bit like the pot calling the kettle black? Ricky Stuart would be even cockier if NSW were aiming for their seventh straight victory tonight.

    Because frankly, there aren’t too many bigger smug arrogant big heads than Ricky Stuart.

    Problem is, he has nothing to be smug and arrogant about.

    Stuart’s Blues are staring the barrel of a record 7th straight origin loss tonight.

    In an attempt to turn the tide in his favour, Stuart has resorted to a sledging war against Mal Meninga to get into the head of the Maroons coach.

    Stuart’s goal is to rattle Meninga, which would hopefully have a rippling effect on the QLD players causing them to have a bad game.

    This seems like a good idea, but does it put too much pressure on the NSW players?

    Since 2006, the Blues have won 5 of the last 19 Origin matches and are facing a record 7th straight series loss tonight.

    The stats already tell a dire picture, so NSW can do without QLD’s added motivation heading into the biggest game of their careers.

    Extra pressure is the last thing NSW need.

    But one could think Stuart has taken the media spotlight off his side and got it directed at him, to divert attention and limit the distractions to player preparations in camp.

    The media ban was heavily bagged, but this avenue seems like a subtler smokescreen with the same intention.

    Ricky Stuart has been touted as the coach who has brought passion back into NSW origin.

    The NSW public has gotten behind the Blues this series and have sold out ANZ stadium with 84,000 expected in attendance.

    The fans will be in Homebush waving their sky blue banners and royal blue flags for the good of their state.

    But wait, there’s a line between passion and whinging.

    Pride and patriotism for your state comes from their heroics, mateship and valour they display, not the hatred and jealously you have for another.

    As a result of this sledge-a-thon Ricky has embroiled a feeling amongst the NSW audience, but it’s not passion it’s anger.

    Stuart’s comments although hypocritical, do remove media spotlight from his players and light a fire within the NSW public which was burnt out for while.

    But they add to the already immense pressure his players are under, as they feel a weight like the NSW world on their shoulders.
    This is a career-defining match up for the blues and they can do without QLD’s added motivation.

    Whether you feel the positives outweigh the negatives or vice versa, Ricky Stuart should just shut his mouth next time.