NSW coach Ricky Stuart’s resentment over his side’s treatment in State of Origin I continues to fester after he snubbed a scheduled media conference on the eve of Wednesday night’s game 2.
Stuart made the decision 30 minutes before Tuesday’s conference at the team’s hotel to send assistant Trent Barrett to face the media ahead of the must-win clash at ANZ Stadium.
The Blues mentor was upset at several incidents before and during game one in Melbourne, particularly Queensland’s decision not to send captain Cameron Smith to an arranged media conference which the Maroons claim was due to Smith having the flu.
Stuart slapped a media ban on his players after the series-opening loss in what was perceived as an attempt to make a point.
Barrett denied there was any message motive in Stuart’s no-show on Tuesday.
“It’s no siege mentality,” Barrett said.
“He’s certainly done enough publicity in the last few weeks to give him a break this afternoon.
“We’ve got (a crowd of) 84,000 people at Homebush (ANZ Stadium) so job done.
“We’ve just got to worry about the footy now.”
Barrett confirmed prop Tim Grant (back and hamstring) and skipper Paul Gallen (knee) would be right to take part in Tuesday night’s captain’s run at ANZ Stadium.
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Caitlan Johnston copped online abuse which the NSW star labelled "disgusting" ahead of the Women's State of Origin series. Channel Nine's Andrew Johns had…
"He's a winner, his side's on top of the table - where's Parra?"
The Maroons are lucky the women’s State of Origin series has been extended to three matches otherwise the shield would be close to being…
Yasmin Clydsdale was caught off guard in the post-match interview of the award.
After Queensland was denied at the other end, Caitlan Johnston put the Blues 14 points ahead.
After scoring their first four-pointer of the game, the Maroons thought they had their second through Emma Manzelmann minutes later to cut the margin…
