LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In a classic showdown between State of Origin rivals, Queensland coach Billy Slater and NSW coach Michael Maguire put on a display of sportsmanship as they came face to face in Melbourne ahead of game 2.
The tension was palpable as the two men exchanged a handshake and took their seats next to each other, ready to do battle on the field.
Slater, known for his lightning-fast reflexes and impeccable decision-making on the rugby league field, revealed that he had been ignoring the noise from outside sources, including a cheeky jibe from Maguire, in the lead-up to the crucial match.
The former Maroons fullback brushed off any insinuation of animosity between himself and Maguire, emphasizing that they were not the ones lacing up their boots and hitting the field.
While Maguire sidestepped questions about the alleged sledge aimed at Queensland, Slater remained focused on the task at hand - securing a third consecutive series victory for the Maroons.
With a hint of Aussie slang and a touch of sporting cliches, Slater made it clear that his only priority was guiding his players to peak performance on game day.
As the clock ticked down to kickoff at the iconic MCG, all eyes were on these two coaching titans as they navigated the mental game that comes with the high-stakes arena of State of Origin.
With their history at the Melbourne Storm serving as a backdrop, Slater and Maguire showed that even in the heat of battle, respect and sportsmanship would always prevail.