How a telling detail in how NSW lined up for the national anthem proves it’s no surprise they were crushed by Queensland in one of the state’s worst-ever Origin performances
- Blues was demolished 32-6 with series on the line
- NSW has been accused of not being as tight-knit as Queensland
- Photos from the sides during the national anthem are revealing
A careful comparison of how the NSW and Queensland teams lined up for the national anthem before Wednesday night’s second State of Origin game would have given footy fans a good idea of the demolition job in store for the Blues.
Coach Brad Fittler’s side – and many of his predecessors – have been criticized for playing as a group of individuals rather than working together as a team, which the Maroons are famous for.
That criticism made sense at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, as NSW were outsmarted, overenthusiastic and completely outsmarted by Billy Slater’s side, living up to their mantra of ‘I am, because we are’.
As the teams lined up for the national anthem just before kick-off, the Maroons put their arms around each other and stood as one.
Blues stars Jarome Luai and Payne Haas, on the other hand, refused to join their teammates and instead stood with their arms to themselves.
Payne Haas (centre) and Jarome Luai (seventh from right) ruined the united front NSW should have presented during the national anthem on Wednesday night as they refused to hug their teammates
In contrast, all members of the Maroons joined hands just before kick-off
The rift in the NSW united front should then have manifested itself on the field as they never hunted down the Maroons despite fighting to save the series.
Luai played an unlucky game, struggling to impress and was sent off for headbutting Reece Walsh in the final moments of the game.
He then blew kisses to the crowd despite his side being thrashed 32-6.
To make matters worse, he then posted an Instagram story saying “Chill, All you idiots have work tomorrow morning” accompanied by several emojis of tears of joy with rapper Tupac Shakur’s song “Me Against The World” in the background .
That sparked a firestorm of criticism from NSW fans and footy pundits.
Luai then added further insult by calling angry NSW fans “idiots” and telling them to chill out in an Instagram post that sparked a firestorm of criticism
Haas (left) and his NSW teammates looked dismayed several times during game two as Queensland dismantled them to win the series
“Shouldn’t be allowed to represent for NSW after that,” one fan wrote.
“Anytime I’m tempted to say ‘they are hard on him’ he does things like this,” added another.
2GB commentator Ray Hadley ripped into Luai and told him to grow up.
“While Luai attacked workers last night, he made $30,000. The workers he turned down had to work three to six months to earn that.
“The best advice I can give to this young guy who is immensely talented is ‘pull your head in’.
“Someone’s going to have to tap him on the shoulder and say, ‘Jarome, wake up to yourself.’
“Get off social media, don’t taunt people with smiling emojis and lean against a goalpost after being lapped by Queensland. Just shut up, reset and start again.’