The feud between Billy Slater and Michael Maguire escalated after the Maroons coach angered the New South Wales camp by leaving Maguire waiting at a media event just before State of Origin Game II.
It was the first time the pair had faced each other since the NSW coach accused Queensland of living in “glass houses” over their complaints about Reece Walsh being knocked out by Joseph Sua’ali’i’s shocking knock in the first game.
“The Blues were dirty and Queensland’s lateness has added further tension and hostility to a volatile build-up to State of Origin II,” news corporation reported.
Slater, Daly Cherry-Evans and Harry Grant reportedly arrived 10 minutes late to the press conference in Melbourne’s Federation Square on Tuesday.
“Well, I always like to be on time,” Maguire joked about Slater’s late arrival.
Maguire’s ‘glass houses’ comment was an insinuation that the Maroons were hypocritical for complaining about the Blues’ harsh treatment of Reece Walsh in the first game, and was a hot topic at the pre-match press conference. game.
Queensland fullback Walsh was knocked out by a sickening hit from Blues center Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the first match of the series, which the Maroons won 38-10 to take a 1-0 lead into the second game at the MCG on Wednesday night.
Past Queensland greats, including Slater’s assistant coach Johnathan Thurston, condemned NSW for unfairly targeting Walsh.
Queensland coach Billy Slater (back to camera) reportedly left the Blues “dirty” when he arrived late to a press conference with Michael Maguire on Tuesday (pictured).
NSW coach Maguire (pictured) commented that he is always on time when attacking his counterpart.
Maguire is usually reserved and diplomatic in a public setting.
His decision to respond to the Maroons was interpreted in some quarters as a ploy to take the pressure off new NSW halfback Mitchell Moses and returning center Latrell Mitchell.
The Blues coach, who did not mention which Queenslander he was referring to with the “glass houses” comment, wanted to let the guessing continue on Tuesday when pressed on the target of his pick.
“I’ll let you decide who it is,” Maguire said.
“I guess one thing I do is take care of my players, that’s what I focused on.”
The New South Wales coach and his Queensland counterpart insist they maintain a cordial relationship after working together at the Melbourne Storm more than a decade ago.
Reece Walsh was dropped by Blues center Joseph Sua’ali’i in the series opener and Maguire has suggested Queensland are hypocritical for complaining about it.
Slater said his relationship with Maguire is good ahead of Wednesday night’s Origin match.
“We’re fine,” Slater said, when asked about relations with Maguire.
‘We did it (they shake hands)… we’re not really playing, I don’t know if you know that.
‘To be honest, I didn’t feel like (the glass house sleigh) was aimed at me.
“It’s been a big focus for us and me to play my role as it’s about keeping my head out of that noise and doing my part for the team.”