Blues coach Michael Maguire has once again stoked the State of Origin fire ahead of a series decider in Brisbane.
The New South Wales leader singled out former Queensland firebrand Gorden Tallis in what was another incendiary media appearance after naming his team for game three.
Maguire lit the fuse ahead of game two when he accused some inside the Maroons camp of living in glass houses – a reference many believed to be aimed at Queensland coach Billy Slater.
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Tallis took exception to Maguire’s sly dig and used his profile on Fox Sports to belittle the Blues coach, including an insult that he never noticed Maguire on the field when the pair played against one another.
It was pointed out on social media that Tallis and Maguire never actually took the field opposite one another throughout their respective careers.
Michael Maguire has hit back at criticism from Gorden Tallis. Getty
When speaking to media on Monday, Maguire fired a shot back at the retired Maroons enforcer, who was known for his aggressive approach on the field.
“Gordie might be sitting inside that glass house,” he said of Tallis.
Maguire did nothing to hose down the war of words between the two states as he answered questions from media in Sydney.
He was asked about claims from Queenslanders that the Blues used bullying tactics in game two in Melbourne, which NSW won 38-18.
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Wrecking ball centre Latrell Mitchell was called out for shoving Maroons fullback Reece Walsh off the ball, and later picking him up and dumping him during the game.
Maguire took the opportunity to resurface grievances from game one about Queensland assistant coach Nate Myles spraying Blues rookie Joseph Suaalii after the latter was sent off, for which Myles was reprimanded by the NRL.
“Glass houses again, isn’t it?” Maguire said on Monday.
“We keep it on the field. There were a few things off the field that were shown in game one that you can have a look at too.”
When asked if he was referencing the behaviour of Myles specifically, Maguire said “potentially”.
The Blues coach took the chance to have another cheeky dig at Queensland coach Billy Slater.
Slater has opted to cancel an all-player media opportunity this week and has been accused of going to ground after the Maroons were towelled up in Melbourne.
“Probably what I have learnt in this role is the Origin team is really about the people, it’s the people’s team,” Maguire said in response to the news.
“I’ve definitely felt that in the enormity of the role, everywhere you go around NSW the support you get from the fans, the passion they have behind this team is quite incredible.
“I sort of see the team as the people’s team… we want to bring everyone on the journey.
“(Maroons have) had their way and we are doing it our way.”
Slater defended the decision to limit access to his Maroons players during the lead-up to game three.
“We do everything possible to get the voices of our players out to the people watching our game,” he told media on Monday.
“I don’t think you read into it too much, I think that’s a bit unfair.
“We try to give as much access as possible to our players.”
Slater opted to take the high road and did nothing to flame the war of words between the states.