The build-up to tomorrow’s second State of Origin clash has turned ugly, with NSW coach Laurie Daley vowing to produce his own dirt file on Queensland’s illegal tactics.
Daley yesterday woke to front page headlines in the Courier Mail newspaper claiming ‘NSW cheats put on notice’, which was accompanied by a series of still shots portraying Blues players standing offside at marker in game one, which NSW won 14-6.
Maroons officials claim the tactic was being used to curb the dummy half play of skipper Cameron Smith.
With his side one win away from their first series win since 2005, Daley fired back at Queensland’s accusation, saying he too could provide evidence of the Maroons doing the same to his side at ANZ Stadium.
While measured in his comments, it was clear Daley was irked by the cheating claim, labelling it a sign of desperation by the Maroons.
“I can give you three or four clips of Queensland not being square at marker, I can give you another three or four clips of them being at least a metre and a half in front of the referee if they want to go down that path,” Daley said.
“Obviously they feel under a bit of pressure to come out and say those type of things. To call us cheats is not in the right spirit.”
Daley said he would not use the article as motivation for his players, saying seven straight series losses was all the incentive the Blues needed to beat Queensland.
The Blues were given the day off on Monday ahead of a final training run at Suncorp Stadium today. – AAP
[ Source: Australian Times ]