NSW called out over 'arrogant' pre-Origin move as Billy Slater stunt resurfaces
Laurie Daley and NSW have been labelled 'arrogant' for keeping Billy Slater and Queensland waiting at the pre-game press conference in Perth, while Phil Gould has hit out at the Maroons for their axing of Daly Cherry-Evans. Many have suggested the build-up to State of Origin Game 2 has been rather mild with Slater and the Queensland side largely staying out of the media and throwing very few barbs after their 18-6 defeat at Suncorp.
NSW have largely stayed out of the media as well with Spencer Leniu and Latrell Mitchell continuing their self-imposed media bans. Although only a day out from Game 2, the Blues certainly ruffled some feathers in the Queensland section following their tardiness to a media opportunity.
Coach Daley, captain Isaah Yeo and Nathan Cleary kept Billy Slater and new Queensland captain Cameron Munster waiting on their arrival fo the press conference on Tuesday ahead of Game 2 in Perth. Reporter Peter Badel, from The Courier Mail, labelled the move from NSW as 'arrogant' as Slater and co were made to wait in front of the media.
The NSW contingent did arrive for the press conference, but the move wasn't well received from those north of the border. However, it could have been in response to Slater making Michael Maguire and NSW wait last year with the stunt backfiring in Melbourne.
Arrogant Blues keep Maroons waiting at official press conference in Perth. No sign yet of Blues coach Laurie Daley while Maroons twiddle their thumbs. pic.twitter.com/rqUpPZtmE4
— Pete Badel (@badel_cmail) June 17, 2025
Queensland have been left waiting for 10 minutes now for Blues to show up for the joint press conference in Perth. pic.twitter.com/hiIfrsryR8
— Scott Bailey (@ScottBaileyAAP) June 17, 2025
Ahead of Game 2 last year, with Queensland winning Game 1, Maguire took a little swipe at Slater for not turning up on time in a similar situation. And it appears the roles have been reversed a year later with Queensland waiting on the winning team this time around. Although Daley will be hoping he can do one better than Slater and follow through with the victory in Game 2.
Last year, leading journalist Dean Ritchie revealed the Blues were privately 'filthy' with Queensland after their stunt. 'The Blues were privately a little bit miffed though, it was for 12.30pm, they were ready to go at twenty past 12 and Queensland lobbed in at twenty to one,' he said on the Sky Sport Radio.
'And then even when Billy got there, Madge was waiting at the gate to go onto the stage and Billy decided to do some autographs and selfies. That's fine to promote the game down here, I get it. But at the same time it took them another few minutes and they were close to 15 minutes late onto the stage. I don't know how you can be late when you work to a stringent itinerary.'
While Queensland might not be happy with the Blues, NSW great Gould was left disappointed Cherry-Evans wasn't granted a farewell in the Origin arena. Slater made the stunning decision to drop captain and halfback Cherry-Evans after a poor showing in Game 1.
Slater becomes the first coach to drop a captain mid-series this century and his decision was described as 'monumental' by AAP reporter Scott Bailey. Cherry-Evans has most likely played his last game for Queensland having captained the side to a number of series victories.
And on Channel Nine's 100% Footy, Gould claimed he felt Chery-Evans didn't receive the send-off he deserved after all his dedication to the Maroon jersey. "He doesn't get that goodbye moment after a great career, they've said goodbye for him," he said on Monday. "He doesn't get to stand their on the field after a win or loss or draw at the end of the series and say 'this is my last time'.
"They've made their mind up for him, I think it's been pretty unceremonious actually. I think it's very, very ordinary to be honest."
Queensland Rugby League boss Ben Ikin has confirmed Slater will be in charge of the side next year with his contract finishing at the end of the 2026 series. However, Slater is under pressure to stop the dominance from NSW with Daley looking to take his state to their fourth successive win over Queensland.
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