LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Payne Haas is unfazed by the Queensland Maroons' tactic of avoiding kick-offs to him and Spencer Leniu ahead of State of Origin Game Two in Perth.
Despite the debate surrounding this strategy, Haas expressed indifference, stating, "I would want to send the ball Spencer Leniu's way if the shoe was on the other foot." The kick-off discussion gained traction after Angus Crichton revealed that there were plans by the Maroons to prevent both Haas and Leniu from initiating the first carries.
In the first game of the series, the Maroons executed four long kick-offs, directing the first two towards Mitch Barnett, followed by two aimed at Max King.
This strategy clearly frustrated Leniu, who was seen reacting strongly as Queensland deliberately altered their kick direction to bypass him.
Despite Leniu's visible anger, Haas maintains that having the first carry remains a highlight of his State of Origin experience.
As the teams gear up for the second game, the controversy surrounding the kick-off strategy highlights the psychological tactics at play in high-stakes matches like the State of Origin.