Mal Meninga has apologised profusely to jettisoned forward Sam Thaiday following the former representative’s attack on the Kangaroos coach on Tuesday.
Thaiday tore into Meninga after failing to receive a phone call to be informed of his axing from the 24-man squad for the upcoming World Cup.
Thaiday was one of two incumbents omitted from the team due to form and made his feelings known in an angry social media post on Tuesday.
Meninga called the Brisbane star immediately after learning of Thaiday’s comments.
“It’s my fault. There’s no excuses. I apologised to Sam, I had a good yarn to him. I couldn’t be more apologetic to be more honest with you,” Meninga told AAP.
The 32-year-old Thaiday was considered instrumental in helping rebuild the Kangaroos culture, including the penning of an ode during last year’s Four Nations tour in Europe.
Despite playing in the mid-year Test against New Zealand, he was dropped from the Queensland State of Origin team after their game one loss.
The Maroons won the last two games to claim the series, however Meninga insisted it was still an oversight to not speak to him.
“I put my hand up. There’s no excuses for that,” he said.
“I agree with his comments and part of what I wanted to achieve around the Kangaroos was around the rise and part of that respect.
“I just forgot. That’s not an excuse. I should’ve shown respect. He’s been a warrior for the big game in general and he needed that respect.”
Meninga and Thaiday have a long history dating back to when the former Maroons coach handed the Broncos second-rower his Origin debut in 2006.
He hoped the phone call would save their relationship.
“I hope that he appreciated the phone call,” he said.
“He vented, I understand that too. He’s had a tough year, particularly representatively. He had every right to vent.
“I phoned him because I was deeply apologetic and didn’t show him the respect he deserved.”
Asked how close Thaiday was to selection, Meninga said: “That’s not for me to comment publicly on to be honest with you.
“We’re talking about the incident. I fully support Sam’s comments and I can’t be more sorry.”
Thaiday’s omission is likely to end a 10-year career in the green-and-gold jumper dating back to 2006 totalling 34 Tests.
Anthony
Roar Pro
Thanks Mal ! Mal one more thing, could you have a word with Queensland Rugby League and see to it all the forwards who go through the meat machine of State of Origin get a proper acknowledgment and send off. These were your boys who did the job year after year. And I'm sure there bodies are a wreck because of it. Felt annoyed that some players like JT get a great send off in SoO III 2017 (and your my hero JT!!), but others get completely forgotten as though they are nothing. ie. Nate Myles, Sam Thaiday, Aidan Guerra, Justin O’Neill and Jacob Lillyman. They 100% need a proper send off those boys!!
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Something is not right in that Kiwi camp. After being a deserved world number one, they New Zealanders have squandered their opportunity to keep the rank. Not sure what has happened but it is disappointing to say the least.
KingCowboy
Guest
If Sam had such a problem, why didn't he just contact Mal directly? I just don't get people these days. Everything needs to be put on the internet for the world to see. Toughen up Sam.
Dean
Guest
If this is true, and why wouldn't it be, NZ will struggle to beat some of the tier 2 nations. The game I look forward to in any year is Samoa v Tonga. By memory in the last WC, England struggled to put Samoa away. Could be one of the most interesting WCs in a long, long time.
JohnB
Guest
The vent preceded the apology.
Emcie
Roar Guru
In fairness to Mal, I can imagine that managing a player like Ferguson would be a lot more hands on then involving Thiaday would be. Wouldn''t numb the pain for Thiaday though
Emcie
Roar Guru
Good to see some honesty from a high profile public figure rather then a mountain of PR spin. Good to see a bit of class
Noel
Guest
It won't be getting a run on the Roar because, as I understand it, they don't publish until something has been confirmed. The story is coming out of the Daily Telegraph, so, not exactly the most reliable source. But if true, it is massive. The 'report' says the reasoning behind his decision is to do with Proctor and Bromwich being banned for the WC. That would be even more remarkable. I agree, biggest story of the day by far (if true).
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Very good of Mal, admit his error and make amends immediately. But I feel the biggest story of today isn't getting a run. Taumalolo has chosen to play for the Tongans not the Kiwis! So their pack will be missing Bromwich, Proctor, Harris and now Taumalolo. I already thought it would be an English v Kangaroos final. Now it's almost a certainty!
Rob
Guest
From Sam's point of view it would have been very hurtful that Meninga rang Ferguson but never considered ringing him.
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
...and Sammy vented ? Oh dear. Most children are taught to gracefully accept apologies. He better get used to the likelihood that NRMA insurance will probably want some other Qld footballer selling them on TV in Qld as he goes through the same door that all footballers eventually go through. Although I guess he could spend this summer hanging around the lobby of Channel 9.
Laurel
Guest
Sam deserved better than to be left out without prior explanation - a belated apology goes some way to redressing it, but pretty poor show by Mal Meninga.
Joe
Roar Rookie
That is pretty impressive by big Mal. No wonder he is one of the best rep coaches there is. Made a mistake and apologised for it as soon as he realised. Respect.