SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Blues unmoved by Qld sledging: Maloney

Sledging won't be an issue for Blues players in the State of Origin decider on Wednesday night, says James Maloney.

James Maloney of the NSW Blues during Game 1
NSW five-eighth James Maloney insists the Blues won't bite on any sledges. (AAP)

2 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Skip to article content

NSW five-eighth James Maloney insists the Blues won't bite on any sledges from Queensland in Wednesday's State of Origin decider.

It took NSW prop Andrew Fifita less than an hour after their loss in game two to light the fuse for Origin III when he vowed to use the Maroons' trash talk as motivation in Brisbane.

Queensland enforcer Josh McGuire is believed to be the chief culprit, however Maloney dismissed the idea the on-field chatter would be an issue at Suncorp Stadium.

"I haven't read much of it, so I don't really know what's been said or what it is. But it's part and parcel of footy. Things go on and it is what it is," Maloney said in Kingscliff on Sunday.

Fifita has been under the Origin spotlight since his man-of-the-match performance in game one that drew comparisons to Origin great Arthur Beetson.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

The Maroons subdued Fifita in game two before the Cronulla star last week took to social media to hit out at an alleged racist post by a Brisbane pub.

Fifita has been shielded by Blues officials in camp in Kingscliff this week, but Maloney is adamant his clubmate is in the right frame of mind to bust out again against the Maroons.

"I play with him week in, week out, know what he's capable of, and know how important it is for him to play well. It means a lot to him and he'll have a big one," Maloney said.

Maloney had a running battle with Queensland fullback Billy Slater in Sydney that was ignited when the Blues five-eighth was penalised for tackling the Storm star off the ball.

The Cronulla star was reluctant to discuss the incident.

"We just happened to run into each other," Maloney said.


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world