LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Laurie Daley and NSW have come under fire for their "arrogant" behavior during a pre-game press conference ahead of State of Origin Game 2.
They kept Billy Slater and the Queensland team, including new captain Cameron Munster, waiting, prompting criticism from various quarters, including journalist Peter Badel from The Courier Mail.
Many believe the lead-up to this game has felt relatively subdued, with both teams avoiding media engagements and Slater not throwing any insults following Queensland's 18-6 defeat in Game 1.
Queensland's decision to drop Daly Cherry-Evans from their lineup has also drawn criticism from Phil Gould.
Meanwhile, NSW players like Spencer Leniu and Latrell Mitchell have largely maintained a self-imposed media silence.
The controversial press conference delay is reminiscent of a similar situation last year, when Slater made NSW coach Michael Maguire and his team wait, leading to an apparent stir among the Blues.
The role reversal has not gone unnoticed, with expectations for Daley to outperform Slater's prior antics and ensure a win in the upcoming match.
Dean Ritchie, a leading journalist, mentioned that the Blues were "privately a little bit miffed" with Queensland's past tardiness, underscoring a recurring theme of one-upmanship in these pre-game rituals.
Despite Daley's hopes for a victory to demonstrate their superiority, the incident has escalated tensions and drawn attention in the lead-up to Game 2 in Perth.
As both teams prepare for the clash, the spotlight is firmly on the dynamics of their interactions and the stakes of the rivalry.