Accused of losing the plot for adopting a coach whisperer, Queensland mentor Kevin Walters joked that he didn't mind being called a "loony" after the Maroons' 18-14 State of Origin series opening win.
But he was deadly serious when he claimed his side must be better in this month's Origin II in Perth if they are to pull off a series victory.
Walters raised eyebrows when he adopted mind coach Bradley Charles Stubbs ahead of Origin I, ditching Queensland's traditional underdog tag and claiming the Maroons "will win" the series opener.
Bemused Sydney critics had a field day as Walters spruiked Stubbs' philosophy in the lead-up by refusing to mention NSW by name and threatening fines to any Queensland players who did.
Walters appeared to have the last laugh when the Maroons reeled in an 8-0 halftime lead to draw first blood in the series thanks to a stunning two-try haul by man of the match, winger Dane Gagai.
But Walters still raised chuckles at his expense when he was reminded of the Sydney media's barbs at the post match press conference that he had been putting on a Stubbs-inspired bizarre act.
"I am very passionate about rugby league in this state. If that makes me a loony then there a lot of loonies up in Queensland I can tell you," Walters said.
He got another laugh when asked if he had received a congratulatory message from Stubbs who is reportedly indisposed on a tropical island.
"He is on island somewhere and he can only whisper so I haven't heard from him," Walters said.
"But his involvement in all of this has been great. However we haven't achieved anything yet - there are two games of football left."
Indeed, Walters wasn't getting ahead of himself, admitting the Maroons must improve if they are to begin a new era with an upset series win.
Defending champions NSW were raging favourites for 2019 with the Maroons opening a new chapter following the retirement of the last of their future Immortals Billy Slater and Greg Inglis.
Walters said they still had much work to do to seal a series win in June 23's game two in Perth.
"We are very respectful of the win but there's no relief (with the win)," he said.
"We came here to put together a good performance but I felt we didn't do that for 80 minutes.
"We are out of the blocks and I am stoked for the win but the team knows we need to get better."
