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Ben Hunt Finally Lifts the Trophy for Brisbane Broncos

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Adam Reynolds (left) Ben Hunt of the Broncos celebrate winnin the NRL Grand Final match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Melbourne Storm at Accor Stadium in Sydney.

Brisbane Broncos, veteran Ben Hunt can finally sleep soundly. After years of carrying the weight of a past mistake, the ultimate redemption story culminated in a premiership ring on Sunday.

Following the thrilling 26-22 Grand Final victory over the Melbourne Storm, the 35-year-old looked like a man who had shed a giant burden forever.

Many PNG fans remember the heartbreak of the 2015 Grand Final.

In that devastating 17-16 loss to the North Queensland Cowboys, it was Hunt who dropped the crucial kick-off in golden-point extra-time. For a decade, he wondered if he would ever make it back to the big stage to make amends.

He did get back, and he got the job done.

So, how many sleepless nights did he endure in the interim?

“I can’t count them. There were plenty,” Hunt said in the jubilant Broncos dressing room.

“I’ve dreamt of this moment for the last 10 years. I really have. It’s taken 350-plus games but it is all worth it. It really is. All the hard yards … the family, friends and coaches that have put time into me over the years, it’s a little bit of repayment for them.”

Hunt admitted he tried to keep his focus only on the game, but the emotional floodgates opened at the siren.

“I hadn’t thought too much about the redemption side of it. I just tried to focus on this game really but now that’s it is done and has sunk in, it is a weight off the shoulders,” he said.

“It’s okay for me to talk about the 2015 grand final now because we have moved on and got another one.”

“When the siren went, it instantly hit me like a ton of bricks.”

Broncos coach Michael Maguire summed up the sentiments of the entire rugby league world about five-eighth Hunt’s title dream finally being realised.

“Benny Hunt in 2015 … he had a tough moment in the grand final. To be able to give him a hug after that was a special moment because I know what players go through,” Maguire said.

“They get beaten up at times and the critics don’t miss them.”

“To see a smile on his face and just sitting in the changing room with the players with just a grin from ear to ear, it’s bloody unreal.”

Hunt said his move to rejoin the Broncos where he made his debut, after linking with St George Illawarra for seven turbulent seasons, was “probably the best decision I ever made.”

The veteran had to watch the final tense moments from the sidelines after being concussed with eight minutes to go. His halves partner, fellow 35-year-old Adam Reynolds, was right there with him after he was replaced with a calf injury in the 49th minute.

“It was one of those head knocks where it hits you flush. I knew I was stumbling,” Hunt said.

“I couldn’t get my legs under me but I had my wits about me. I definitely didn’t have on my bingo card that me and Reyno would be on the sideline with a couple of minutes to go, that’s for sure.”

“I went back out with about three minutes to go and it was a long bloody three minutes.”

Reynolds and Hunt embraced immediately after full-time. The two old mates came together in what Reynolds jokingly called “a nursing home” moment full of emotion.

“Ben deserves it probably more than anyone. He has been through his ups and downs,” Reynolds said.

“To see him get this moment at full-time and embrace him was certainly a career highlight.”

“We have both been through a lot over the last couple of years and when he came back to the club it was all about trying to achieve this dream.”

Source: Australian Associated Press

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KPHL’s K3.3M Sponsorship is a Game-Changer for the Kumuls

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The PNG national men’s rugby league team, the PNG LNG Kumuls, has a huge boost for its international season.

Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL) announced on Wednesday a three-year renewal of its platinum sponsorship, worth K3.3 million.

This funding is critical for the Kumuls’ international campaign, which includes the annual Prime Minister’s XIII and the Pacific Championships. According to PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) CEO, Stanley Hondina, the sponsorship is vital for managing the team.

“To assemble a national team like the Kumuls with most of its players playing overseas is a costly exercise,” Hondina said.

He added that the sponsorship will go a long way in assisting with travel, accommodation, playing & training gear, back-office support and administration.

The renewed partnership ensures the Kumuls can focus on their upcoming matches.

They’re set to play Australia in the Prime Minister’s XIII on October 12, followed by the Pacific Bowl Championships against the Cook Islands on October 25 and Fiji on November 1.

Wapu Sonk, KPHL’s Managing Director, said the company was happy to renew the sponsorship, reaffirming its commitment to “national pride, youth development and community engagement.

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Bulldogs Warned to Fix “Comfortable” Mindset

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Bulldogs’ Viliame Kikau and captain Stephen Crichton are calling for the team to fix its “too comfortable” mindset as they head into the final stretch of the season.

The Bulldogs have had an up-and-down month, alternating between strong wins over Manly and the Warriors and disappointing losses to the Tigers and Roosters.

This inconsistency, according to Kikau, comes from a lack of effort.

“Just some of the areas that we pride ourselves on, all the effort areas, that came up a few times,” Kikau said after reviewing the loss to the Roosters.

“That’s been addressed and hopefully it doesn’t happen again.”

Crichton agreed that the problem is mental, not physical.

“It’s kind of tapping into that mindset, where your mindset was in those two good games and where that mindset was in the two bad games,” he said.

The Bulldogs’ season will be defined by the next seven weeks, not the past seven months, Crichton warned.

“We were playing really good footy at the start of the year but no one remembers what happens at the start of the year. It’s where we are right now and the opportunity right in front of us is very special.”

The team’s senior players are taking charge to ensure there is no complacency when they face the Storm.

“As leaders of the group, we try and address it straight away so we don’t get that in the team,” Kikau said.

“Hopefully there’s none this week.”

Source: Australian Associated Press

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Storm Claim Top Spot as Broncos Face Injury Nightmare

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In a big blow for the Brisbane Broncos and their hopes of a top-four finish, the Melbourne Storm have taken over the number one spot on the NRL ladder.

The Storm’s 22-2 victory over the Broncos at AAMI Park on Thursday night was a strong display, but the real story was the shocking injury toll suffered by Brisbane.

Broncos coach Michael Maguire was left stunned after both his star halves, Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam, were knocked out of the game in the same play just 21 minutes in.

To make matters worse for the Brisbane faithful, winger Selwyn Cobbo also went off with a hamstring problem late in the match. All three players are now waiting for scan results that will determine the severity of their injuries, putting a massive hole in the Broncos’ side.

The injuries happened in a bizarre sequence as Reynolds and Mam chased down Storm winger, Xavier Coates after he intercepted a pass. While Cobbo made a brilliant try-saving tackle on Coates, the play proved costly for the Broncos. Mam suffered his injury in the tackle, while the experienced Reynolds pulled up clutching his leg moments later.

To their credit, the Broncos, with hooker, Ben Hunt and center, Kotoni Staggs filling in as a makeshift halves pairing, fought hard and kept the game close for a while.

But the Storm, a very strong team, were too good.

Tries from Tyran Wishart and Ryan Papenhuyzen gave Melbourne a 12-2 lead at half-time, and they finished the job in the second half with two more tries, including a penalty try.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy was very happy with his team’s performance, especially their strong defence, which kept the Broncos from scoring a single try.

This result continues a bad run for the Broncos at AAMI Park, where they have not won for nine years.

The Storm have now won 17 of their last 18 games against the Brisbane side.

For the many NRL fans across Papua New Guinea, this is a worrying sign for the Broncos, a team with a huge following in the country.

The loss of key players like Reynolds, Mam, and Cobbo could be a big problem for their premiership ambitions as the finals get closer. Everyone will be hoping for good news from the scans.

Source: Australian Associated Press

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Dolphins back in NRL eight after blitzing Cowboys

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Two rugby players, one dark skinned and one light skinned wearing red dolphins jumpers.

The Dolphins have had plenty of “finest hours” this year, but their 43-24 win over North Queensland was one of the best, despite nervous moments in the second half.

With 10 of their top 30 out injured, the Dolphins were brave and brilliant at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night to destroy the Cowboys and all but finish their top-eight hopes.

The Dolphins roared back into the NRL top eight with a brilliant attacking display inspired by new No.6 Jake Averillo and rampant fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow. 

Back-rower Connelly Lemuelu had one of his best games as a Dolphin behind a rampant Averillo who continues to shine no matter what position he plays.

“I love what he brings to the team,” Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf said.

“He’s just a real footy player. Wherever we put him he gets the job done. He’s played four positions the last five weeks and handled every one of them really well.” 

Dolphins back-rower Oryn Keeley, who was sensational, was put on report for a dangerous tackle on Jaxson Paulo, and the Cowboys lost star winger Murray Taulagi to a left hamstring injury while scoring his second try. 

The Dolphins led 24-6 at halftime after the Cowboys had 29 tackles inside the opposition quarter compared to two for the Dolphins.

The hosts, in front of 23,172 fans, went out to a 34-6 lead in the 47th minute with tries to Harrison Graham and Jamayne Isaako and appeared set for 50 points.

The Cowboys had other ideas. Taulagi went over out wide, No.6 Jaxon Purdue drew fullback Scott Drinkwater, and half Tom Dearden finished a long-range attacking play to score a third try in eight minutes. 

Averillo put the result to bed with a 76th-minute try.

The first half showcased the Dolphins at their best. Keeley crashed over after a stellar pass from skipper and halfback Isaiya Katoa inside five minutes.

The Cowboys hit back minutes later, with Taulagi scoring his 60th career try out wide with a brilliant cutout pass by Drinkwater. 

The hosts were under assault early but hung on with true grit, before a 95m burst by  Averillo after a Cowboys error gave the Dolphins a 12-6 lead.

Averillo was at it again in combination with star centre Herbie Farnworth to send Tabuai-Fidow flying in for another long-range try. 

Tabuai-Fidow dropped his next chance cold from a Farnworth pass, but Averillo was on fire with another super pass. Lemuelu streaked away and Tabuai-Fidow did the rest. 

The second half was see-sawing, but the Dolphins never looked like losing to a Cowboys side who must now win all their remaining games to make the top eight.

“It was very disappointing conceding the points we did in that first 40,” Cowboys coach Todd Payten said.

“It put us under far too much pressure and it was too much to chase down. We showed a heap of fight to get us back in the game but there were a couple of costly moments with 12 or 13 minutes to go.” 

The Dolphins once again showed how resilient they are, no matter who is playing. Prop Peter Hola made his club debut while rookies Aublix Tawha (prop) and Tevita Naufahu (wing) were also strong.

“I just love the way they keep turning up for each other,” Woolf said.

Source: AAP

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Broncos Stage Stunning Comeback Against Sharks

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Brisbane pulled off an incredible comeback, overturning a 16-point deficit to defeat a wasteful Cronulla 34-28. Broncos fullback Reece Walsh was the spark that ignited their resurgence.

It looked like the Broncos were down and out when Sharks hooker Blayke Brailey darted over from dummy half in the 56th minute, putting Cronulla up 28-12 in front of 39,042 fans at Suncorp Stadium. But the home side had other plans, scoring four tries in just 18 minutes, with Walsh setting up two, to snatch fifth position on the ladder from the Sharks.

“I guess we expect Reece to come up with those things. He just keeps competing,” Broncos coach Michael Maguire said.

“The captain (Adam Reynolds) spoke to them at halftime and sharpened them up a bit.

“It was pleasing that with their backs against the wall … to fight the way they did and get the win at the end.

The match was not without its dramatic moments. Sharks forward Teig Wilton was taken to hospital in the first half after suffering blurred vision from an eye injury. Then, just before halftime, Sharks winger Sione Katoa had what was described as a “brain explosion,” getting sin-binned for a ridiculous touch on Ezra Mam while he was on the ground in the ruck.

Despite the Sharks being a man down, the Broncos couldn’t capitalise immediately. Brailey scored from close range, and the result seemed secured for Cronulla. However, the Sharks then completely fell apart.

Brisbane Broncos rugby players
Ezra Mam of the Broncos scores a try during the NRL Round 16 match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AAP Image/Jono Searle)

Broncos winger Ronaldo Mulitalo was ruled to have knocked on, and Walsh made the Sharks pay with a pinpoint pass to centre Gehamat Shibasaki. Sharks five-eighth Braydon Trindall then kicked out on the full, allowing Broncos winger Josiah Karapani to storm in, even as Sharks half Nicho Hynes fell over claiming an obstruction.

Skipper Adam Reynolds then weaved through traffic and delivered a basketball-style pass for Karapani to complete his second try in as many weeks. Reynolds nailed the conversion from the sideline, giving Brisbane a 30-28 lead. The comeback was sealed when Walsh carved through Hynes to set up Shibasaki for his second try of the night.

“Our discipline to stick to our plan and defence has been poor for weeks. Even when we were leading, you could see signs we were hanging on,” Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon said.

“I’m not going to sit here and make excuses. We need to do something about it. We’ve got to address our discipline.”

The first half was a bizarre affair, with the Sharks leading 22-12 at the break. Brisbane’s kicking game and line speed were poor, with fullback Walsh even giving up two seven-tackle sets. The Sharks, in contrast, attacked with freedom, with halves Trindall and Hynes playing key roles.

Trindall set up centre Siosifa Talakai for a try and then put Wilton through a gaping hole, with fullback William Kennedy finishing it off for a 10-0 lead.

The Sharks had opened the scoring through Talakai after Broncos winger Jesse Arthars spilt a bomb. Kennedy scored his second with a classic try after Hynes sent second-rower Briton Nikora on his way.

Trindall then put Hynes through for a stroll to make it 22-6, after Broncos hooker Cory Paix darted over from dummy-half for a soft try. Mam’s try just before halftime kept the home side in the contest, setting the stage for their incredible second-half turnaround.

Source: Australian Associated Press (AAP)

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Impressive Munster begins new Maroons era in style

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Cameron Munster of the Maroons looks to pass the ball during the State of Origin game two match between the Queensland Maroons and the NSW Blues at Optus Stadium in Perth, Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)

Queensland have stopped New South Wales from pulling off the greatest comeback in State of Origin history, keeping the series alive with a thrilling 26-24 win in Perth.

After three weeks of turmoil that included the axing of captain Daly Cherry-Evans, the Maroons produced a Queensland performance for the ages to win 26-24.

It didn’t come easy after the Maroons led 26-6 at half-time and then let in four second-half tries to allow the Blues to get within two points with six minutes left.

But just as NSW threatened to pull off the first 20-point comeback in Origin history, Payne Haas dropped a ball on attack late and the Maroons held on.

Goalkicking proved the difference with NSW scoring more tries but Zac Lomax converting just two of five.

The result sets up a series decider in Sydney on July 9, with NSW suddenly searching for answers after being well below their best at Optus Stadium.

NSW coach Laurie Daley refused to blame his team’s wayward goalkicking for the loss.

“Yeah, you want to kick goals, but there were a lot more things that we needed to do that I was disappointed in,” Daley said.

“Goal kicking is way down the list. It’s more about our execution, intent. There were a lot of things we didn’t do well in the first half. 

“We showed what we were capable of doing in the second half, but you can’t play a (first) half of football like that against quality opposition and expect to be close.”

On a frantic night that boiled over on several occasions, Jarome Luai was placed on report after rubbing his hand over Reuben Cotter’s face.

Luai appeared to make contact with Cotter’s eye before Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga then made a raking gesture with his hand to officials. 

Luai was later hit with a grade-two contrary conduct charge for unnecessary contact with the face and will cop a fine of $3900 with an early guilty plea.

That alone summed up the night for the Blues, who at one stage trailed the penalty count 9-0 and had a crucial Nathan Cleary try overturned by an obstruction.

Even so, this was a good night for the Maroons on a day that began with coach Billy Slater apologising for press conference comments that referenced the late Paul Green.

Man-of-the-match Cameron Munster was superb in his first game as Queensland captain, while his halves partner Tom Dearden also impressed after taking Cherry-Evans’s jersey.

“I’m just proud of our boys to turn up for Billy,” Munster said. 

Cameron Munster addresses his Queensland Maroons team after their win in State of Origin II. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)
Cameron Munster addresses his Maroons team after their win in State of Origin II. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

“Because there’s been a lot of speculation in the media and we needed to turn up for our coach tonight, and we did.”

Slater was proud of his team’s efforts.

“It’s a heart stopper,” he said.

“Boy, it took a whole heap of courage and character and effort, a bit of spirit.

“That’s the pride I feel for our footy team, and I’m sure five-and-a-half million Queenslanders feel that pride right now as well.”

NSW looked as if they were going to continue their form from the series-opening 18-6 win at Suncorp Stadium early, crossing first through Brian To’o.

But what followed was an example of the Queensland spirit that Origin has largely been built on.

The Maroons attack came to life, with Robert Toia sending Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow over for one and the winger jumping over Brian To’o for another.

Munster scored once when Harry Grant got out of dummy-half, while Kurt Mann offloaded for a Kurt Capewell four-pointer before the break.

Capewell’s try looked likely to be a heartbreaker for the Blues, after Cleary had been denied for the obstruction moments earlier.

But any thought Queensland had of cruising to victory was quickly killed off in the second half.

Winger Brian To'o led a spectacular Blues fightback with this early second-half try. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS)
Winger Brian To’o led a spectacular Blues fightback with this early second-half try. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS)

To’o had his second shortly after the break when NSW stripped Queensland for numbers, before Stephen Crichton went through three defenders to make it a 12-point game.

The comeback was then well and truly alive when Cleary and Luai combined to help Latrell Mitchell send To’o over for his third.

And when Mitchell pulled off a one-on-one strip on Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Angus Crichton ran onto a Luai grubberkick, NSW looked set to storm home.

But in the end Queensland stood tall at the death, sealing a famous backs-to-the-wall win to keep hope of winning back the Origin shield.

The other concern for NSW is Cleary’s groin, with the superstar Penrith halfback unable to kick for much of the match after reporting tightness in the build up.

Written by: Scott Bailey (AAP)

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Cleary feels Luai love as he prepares to equal Johns

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Nathan Cleary has warned that NSW’s squad has the feel of Penrith’s best days again, with he and Jarome Luai slipping straight back into their old combination.

Cleary has a chance to win his fourth State of Origin series as NSW halfback on Wednesday, with the Blues heavy favourites to taste victory at Optus Stadium.

It will come on an historic night for the Panthers star, who will join Andrew Johns and Mitchell Pearce for the most games in the NSW No.7 jersey, with 16.

Cleary and Luai have been teaming up since the age 15, winning 107 of the 134 games they have played together at all levels before the latter’s move to Wests Tigers this year.

Luai’s call up to the NSW’s 18-man squad for the injured Mitch Moses now means there are nine members of Penrith’s NRL premiership dynasty in the Blues’ group, with Matt Burton 18th man.

Nathan Cleary addresses the media ahead of Origin II in Perth. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP VIDEO)

“It is a bit of that feel of that 2021 grand-final team,” Cleary said on Tuesday. 

“(Jarome and I) understand each other’s games pretty well. So in that regard, it was a pretty seamless transition with him coming back in. 

“He was a part of the series last year too. He has those combinations already with the guys around him. 

“Our combination doesn’t change. It’s probably more him coming back into the side with those other guys. And I thought he’s done that really well.”

Jarome Luai will be back together with his old Penrith 'other half' Nathan Cleary in Origin II. (AAP Image/James Worsfold)
Jarome Luai will be back together with his old Penrith ‘other half’ Nathan Cleary in Origin II. (AAP Image/James Worsfold)

Cleary will be one of the most scrutinised players on the field in Perth on Wednesday night.

Despite the four premierships rings at Penrith, there is still a slight stigma attached to the halfback in that he is yet to own an Origin series.

Cleary has often been among the Blues’ best in big wins, but critics point to the fact he is yet to have a standout moment at the clutch in close games.

However, that is largely due to the fact that when NSW have won in the past seven years, Cleary has starred and the Blues have won comfortably.

Nathan Cleary (right) speaks with coach Laurie Daley during a NSW Blues State of Origin Captian’s Run at Optus Stadium, in Perth, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)
Nathan Cleary (right) speaks with coach Laurie Daley during a NSW Blues State of Origin Captian’s Run at Optus Stadium, in Perth, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)

As he prepares to equal the mark made by Johns and Pearce, Cleary said he was far removed the man who debuted under coach Brad Fittler in 2018.

“(Origin) comes with more expectations now, with the standing in the game and the amount of games I’ve played,” Cleary said. 

“But I’m in a position to play my best footy, I had a very simplified role (back then) and contributed where I could. 

“It’s the same now, I want to do my role and my best for the team, but it’s having a greater influence on what we’re able to do.”

The 27-year-old is now comfortable with shouldering the pressure associated with having become one of the faces of the game in recent years.

Cleary has long labelled the 2019 season as one of the most important of his career, narrowing his focus and making him mature after a poor year for Penrith.

He believes this season has also made him a better footballer, with the Panthers trying to climb from the bottom of the ladder after round 12 and back into finals contention.

Queensland coach Billy Slater addresses Aaron Woods’s ‘grub’ remarks at a Perth press conference. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP VIDEO)

Now into his 10th NRL season, Cleary said his relationship with the sport had also changed since his Penrith debut in 2016 and his NSW start two years later.

“I’m still passionate about it, I still love watching it. But I would say in terms of professionalism, that’s changed,” Cleary said.

“This is a duty to my teammates, to my club when I’m playing for my club, and for my state when I’m playing for my state. 

“I just went out there and played when I was younger. Now it’s much more regimented with what I need to do to play my best. 

“I think I’m definitely more consistent because of that, rather than when I was an 18-year-old.”

Written by: Scott Bailey (AAP)

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The Origin comebacks that offer Queensland hope

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Johnathan Thurston (left) and Billy Slater of the Queensland Maroons celebrate following State of Origin Game 3 between the Queensland Maroons and NSW Blues, at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, on Wednesday, July 12, 2017.

STATE OF ORIGIN‘S MOST UNLIKELY COMEBACKS:

MAGUIRE’S MIND GAMES LEAD TO HEIST OF 2024

Just last year NSW were able to pull off exactly what the Maroons are attempting to do. After A series-opening flogging at home where Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was sent off, Michael Maguire began throwing barbs at Billy Slater and the series turned. NSW demolished the Maroons in Melbourne, before winning a decider at Suncorp for the first time since 2005.

THURSTON DOES IT WITH ONE ARM IN 2017

Queensland looked shot after Andrew Fifita led an assault on Suncorp Stadium and NSW won the series opener there 28-4. The Blues then led 16-6 at halftime in Sydney, before Johnathan Thurston engineered a comeback while playing with a season-ending shoulder injury. Momentum had swung, and the Maroons won comfortable in Cameron Munster’s debut in Brisbane.

QUEENSLAND SAVE STATE OF ORIGIN IN 2006

There were genuine fears over the future of State of Origin when NSW won a thrilling game one in Sydney and looked on track for a fourth straight series win. The Maroons hit back with a 30-6 flogging in Brisbane, before Darren Lockyer’s famous effort to intercept a Brett Hodgson pass late in Melbourne secured a win for the Maroons and forever altered the course of Origin history with seven more consecutive series wins to follow.

JOHNS’ LAST HURRAH IN 2005

NSW had a mountain to climb after another all-time classic in the series opener, coming back from 19-0 down to lose 24-20 in golden point. Enter Andrew Johns. The Newcastle legend came back from injury set up a 32-22 win in Sydney before a 32-10 domination in Brisbane three weeks later. It would prove the champion halfback’s last Origin match, and the end of an era of Blues’ domination before Queensland’s dynasty began the following year.

BLUES’ 1994 RESURRECTION AFTER MAROONS MIRACLE

Mark Coyne scored the most famous try in State of Origin history to take Queensland to victory in game one, but it was NSW who pulled off the ultimate miracle over the next month. Defence won the game for the Blues in Melbourne, before a second straight victory on the road at Suncorp Stadium won them the series for the third straight year. It marked the first time a team came from 1-0 down to lift the shield.

Written by: Scott Bailey (AAP)

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Slater says Maroons won’t be dictated to on kick-off

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Spencer Leniu of the Blues is tackled by Harry Grant and Patrick Carrigan of the Maroons during Game 1 of the State of Origin 2024 between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Accor Stadium in Sydney, Wednesday, June 5, 2024.

A defiant Billy Slater has declared that the Queensland Maroons won’t be pressured into kicking off to NSW firebrand Spencer Leniu in State of Origin II.

As Maroons prop Tino Fa’asuamaleaui said he was not scared of Leniu on Tuesday, Slater would not be drawn on whether the Maroons would kick to the Blues front-rower.

Of the four long kick-offs from Queensland in their game one loss, none went to Leniu or Payne Haas, in what has since been labelled by some as a pre-determined plan.

The situation left Leniu fuming, with the Sydney Roosters prop appearing to swear in frustration as the Maroons changed the direction of their kick to avoid him.

Haas has largely stayed away from the debate over the past week, but on Monday said he would want the ball kicked off to Leniu if he was in the Maroons side, since he’d want the chance to take down a powerful rival.

Former NSW front-rower Willie Mason has also accused the Maroons of being “s**t scared” of Leniu, while Braith Anasta labelled Queensland “weak”.

Slater dodged a question on Tuesday on whether Leniu would have the chance to take a hit-up from a kick-off at Optus Stadium.

But the Maroons coach did defend his team’s right to prioritise their own tactics over the entertainment factor.

“We don’t ask Nathan (Cleary) to kick to a specific corner. He does what he wants,” Slater said of the Blues halfback. 

“He gets his game on. So, we’ll be getting our game on.

“I get all the dilemma about it, but at the end of the day, it’s about building a game and a game plan that best suits you.  

“It’s not about what (the media) want or anyone else wants.”

Asked about the issue, Maroons front-rower Fa’asuamaleaui rejected any suggestion Queensland’s pack were scared of Leniu.

“I’m not scared of anyone,” Fa’asuamaleaui said.

“I just want to do my job for Queensland and I’m not going to back down from anyone and that’s our whole team. 

“We’re just going to get out there, get our game on and do what we do best and play our game.

“(We’re) not backing down from anyone.”

Slater wouldn’t say whether the Maroons would make late changes to their pack, or if Kurt Mann could start at hooker in place of Harry Grant.

The Maroons have won six of eight games when Grant has come off the bench, as opposed to a 0-4 record with him starting.

NSW second-rower Angus Crichton had accused Queensland of mind games last week, refusing to believe Jeremiah Nanai and Pat Carrigan weren’t starting.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has already let slip that he will move to the right wing at Optus Stadium, after playing left centre in the series-opening 18-6 loss in Brisbane.

That defeat has piled the pressure on Slater, who has already axed captain Daly Cherry-Evans and replaced him with Tom Dearden in the halves.

Written by: Scott Bailey (AAP)

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