The emotional display from former Blues coach Michael Maguire deeply impacted players, leaving them "in tears."
Luke Keary believes this incident highlights the pressing issues that fans "can see" with the NSW Blues following their defeat against Queensland on Wednesday night.
The Maroons turned the tables from a 12-8 deficit, delivering a crucial psychological blow before Game 3, ultimately winning 44-24 and gaining momentum heading into the decider at Suncorp Stadium.
Post-loss, Blues coach Laurie Daley faced significant scrutiny, and on NRL 360, host Braith Anasta raised concerns that if NSW loses the series, further accountability should be directed towards New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL).
He specifically questioned the pressure on chief executive Dave Trodden, who was responsible for bringing Daley back into the fold.
"Of course they should be under pressure," veteran journalist Brent Read asserted during the NRL 360 broadcast.