Paul Gallen has set the scene for an explosive State of Origin II, after labelling Queensland “disrespectful” and “grubby” in his final press conference before Wednesday’s MCG showpiece.
In one of the most entertaining and pointed media conferences of the season, the Blues skipper claimed on Tuesday the Maroons were showing NSW no respect carrying an injured Billy Slater into game two.
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Gallen also spoke again of what he labelled the Maroons’ “grubby” tactics in their win in Origin I last month and said the Blues had a firm plan to combat anything Queensland threw their way in game two.
“We have been used to their grubby tactics for years now, in game one I suppose the boys were a bit naive to think that some of the so-called angels of the game don’t get up to any of it,” Gallen said.
“I’m sure that none of the boys will take a backward step this time, they know what is coming and I’m sure Queensland do as well.
“We are not out there to fight, we are not out there to play dirty, we are out there to play hard and tough but we won’t be taking any a backward step and if those tactics start to sneak into the game I’m sure our boys will adapt to that.”
Gallen again identified Nate Myles as the Maroons’ chief niggler in the Blues’ eyes, and said Slater putting “his shoulder into” Josh Morris as he lay on the ground in game one, was among several incidents that upset NSW.
The Blues are also incensed by news Slater is set for season-ending surgery on his shoulder, the day after Origin II.
“If he is planning on having surgery on Thursday, I think that is a sign of where their team is at the moment,” Gallen said.
“They think they are that much better than us, they think they are going to get this win and it is going to be the end of the series and Billy is going to get surgery and have the rest of the year off.
“It is a little bit disrespectful to us, but it is easy to be talking about it and having a go at him. We have to go out there and get the win tomorrow night and prove that we are the better side.”
Jay C
Roar Guru
Ridiculous. If they didn't know what it was then Flannagan should be in jail.
Renegade
Roar Guru
He didn't wittingly inject drugs into himself..... Smith and Inglis can't say they didn't know where the boat came from. So you're done.
Jay C
Roar Guru
The day cheating the salary cap equals drug cheating is the day I am done.
Renegade
Roar Guru
And where they go for a cruise on a boat but don't know where it can from.... And leaving a mess on the hallway - good example for kids up there. It's pretty obvious Gallen is trying to sell the game - the interest in origin has dropped this year and Gal is lighting the fire.... No doubt the two heads up north will take a massive bite and put all their collective heads together in order to respond via the courier Mail.
Renegade
Roar Guru
And where they go for a cruise on a boat but don't know where it can from.... And leaving a mess on the hallway - good example for kids up there. It's pretty obvious Gallen is trying to sell the game - the interest in origin has dropped this year and Gal is lighting the fire.... No doubt the two heads up north will take a massive bite and put all their collective heads together in order to respond via the courier Mail.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
How many have been salary cap cheats?
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Yeah QLD role models. We're a fun night starts with stillnox red bulls and group fun in pub toilets with a mobile phone
V.O.R.
Guest
Renegade, as some one who gives a darn about what this game represents I think EBOpinion makes some valid points. Plenty of advocates for the game have voiced similar concerns. To say his contribution shows complete ignorance perhaps says more about the strength of your own bias and fandom for Gallen. Now in the twighlight years of his Rugby League career Gallen has added hypocrisy to his list of traits. It is now just not pathetic it is laughable.....at least we are laughing up here. North of the Tweed we look for a little bit more than a 'big engine' when we select our hero's. They also need to provide a functional example to our children. Gallen does not.
Bails
Guest
Can someone tell Gallon that he has cast his line into Fitzroy pool ....
Jay C
Roar Guru
And how many in the qld team have served suspensions for being drug cheats?
TheSmak
Guest
'I think you nailed it Old Pete, "ref priming". With all the media the story is getting (snippets of billy slater elbowing morris in the back) I'm sure other people other than QLD's faithful are taking notice.
nopuritan
Guest
well spotted!
The Barry
Roar Guru
And there's no more games in nsw
Old Pete
Guest
Pot calling the kettle black-absolutely. Tickets to sell-almost certainly. But the biggest reason for all this hoohah-all orchestrated by Daley and carried on by Gallen and other minions-ref. priming. It will be interesting to see how the men with the whistles respond on Wednesday night.
big J
Guest
Explain? Did they not have a full house for Game 1?
big J
Guest
SELL, SELL SELL, there is still alot of those AFL fans to convert to the real man's game left in Victoria. Oh does anyone think that Gallen with fight SBW in the off season??????
Matthew Pittard
Guest
You know this has only come out because they are struggling to sell tickets back in NSW right?
sheek
Roar Guru
Hilarious, right on cue! This State Of Origin caper breaks me up. The stuff they come out with, all in the name of promotion, borders on vaudeville. But people just love it, heck, listen to those cash registers..... ka-ching, ka-ching, ka-ching, ka-ching, ka-ching.....
P.Marlowe
Guest
Yeah -at this rate, by the time Origin actually starts, in true WWE style, I am half expecting the lights to get cut halfway through the second half, the NZ national anthem to start playing over the PA and Jarred Warrea Hargreaves and Shaun Johnson to run down the tunnel with some chairs and start randomly hitting people.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Based on what you've written I think you've shown complete ignorance by commenting on a sport you know nothing about....