NSW enforcer Wade Graham has defended the civil and placid build up to this year's State of Origin series, insisting it hasn't been reflected on the field.
Since the interstate series' inception in 1980 the Blues and Queensland have fired barbs across state lines however this year they have only traded pleasantries and niceties.
In previous years former Blues skipper Paul Gallen lobbed verbal grenades at the Maroons but with his retirement from representative football the sting has been taken out of the build up.
His successor Boyd Cordner even apologised during his Origin I pre-game press conference for having nothing but nice things to say about his opposition.
Andrew Fifita's claim that he was sledged by Josh Maguire in the immediate aftermath of the Maroons' game two win has been the lone point of animosity between the traditionally fierce rivals.
Responding to claims that this year's Origin has lacked theatricality, Graham said it was made up by the quality of the series on the field which will culminate in Wednesday's game three at Suncorp Stadium.
"I think off the field it has been the most placid it's been for a while but I certainly don't think on the field," Graham told Fox Sports' NRL360.
"The two contests have been very hard and very fierce in the way they've been played and I've certainly felt it after both games.
"Once you're out on that field the intensity, passion, commitment is still there from both teams. Maybe it's a bit quieter off the field but on the field it's still there."
Share
