Cameron Munster shrewdly targets State of Origin referee with big claim as Queensland enters crisis mode after embarrassing MCG defeat

Cameron Munster bemoaned Queensland’s slow start to their MCG horror show against New South Wales but was keen to point out questionable refereeing on Wednesday night.

The Maroons have been in the throes of an Origin crisis after being beaten 38-18 by their arch-rivals following an embarrassing performance in Melbourne, which saw the Blues go into half-time with a 34-0 lead.

Billy Slater’s side were unable to stop the Blues’ attack in the opening moments of the game, and NSW conceded restart after restart, making the pressure count.

But football fans flooded social media to criticize the officiating of experienced referee Ashley Klein, with the Maroons constantly flouting the rules in the referee’s eyes.

And Munster made a clear reference to Klein’s performance as part of the think tank after the match, with the magical five-eighth missing out on the series due to injury.

“The 50/50 decisions didn’t go our way tonight,” he said.

‘They played harder, they attacked harder. That’s the simple game of soccer.

“Unfortunately, tonight the Blues dominated. We played some really good football at the end of that game.

‘It was too little, too late.

“It’s not ideal but I’m sure they’ll bring the boys to Suncorp and Gus got it right, first game, second game, it doesn’t really matter now.

‘I got the Decider in Brisbane and got a good record there.

“Hopefully we can hold on.”

NSW have not won a decider in Brisbane since 2005 but will go to Suncorp Stadium brimming with confidence after bullying the Maroons off the park.

Queensland genius Reece Walsh was barely seen as the Blues raced to a 34-0 half-time lead with Brian To’o and fellow winger Zac Lomax scoring two tries each.

The Maroons showed a semblance of a comeback in the second half but were unable to overcome a dominant New South Wales team.