The response was simple when Queensland coach Mal Meninga was told NSW planned a State of Origin game two niggle-fest on Wednesday night.
“Bring it on,” Meninga said.
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In what is sure to rile a still seething NSW, Meninga claimed Queensland had adopted a “whatever it takes” attitude to win game two at the MCG and clinch a ninth series in 10 years.
“We play with an aggressive mindset,” he said.
“I think NSW play with a fairly aggressive mindset too.
“We want to be successful. We will do whatever is needed to win that footy game.”
However, Meninga denied Queensland used grubby tactics to clinch their 11-10 game one victory.
“I don’t think so,” he said.
Fighting in Origin has all but been outlawed following a punching crackdown when NSW captain Paul Gallen flattened Queensland’s Nate Myles in the interstate series two years ago.
However, it appears there will be no shortage of conflict on Wednesday based on the barbs ahead of game two.
NSW hooker Robbie Farah says the Maroons got away with Origin I cheap shots because “clean skins” like Queensland captain Cameron Smith and Billy Slater had conned the referees.
Slater also came under fire from NSW for an Origin I incident where he appeared to hit Josh Morris late in the back as the Blues flyer lay defenceless on the ground.
Farah reckoned his side were “too clean” in Origin I and Blues prop James Tamou said they would up the “grubbiness” factor at the MCG.
But Meninga seemed unfazed.
“That’s good. We have prepared for it all week – that’s what Origin is all about,” he said.
“You need that attitude and character, that aggressive outlook and mindset to play Origin footy – that’s why it is so great.
“If that’s the case we have prepared for it.”
For the record NSW coach Laurie Daley would not bite on the subject.
“We will be better than game one,” he offered.
Meanwhile, Meninga dismissed fitness concerns for Slater but expected the Blues to target the fullback’s recovering shoulder which looks set to require season-ending surgery after game two.
The Queensland coach also gave the thumbs up to prop Matt Scott who missed one training session late last week resting a knee infection.
“He is raring to go. I’m trying to hold him back,” Meninga said.
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