State of Origin 2019

NSW Blues deny any players involved in new sex tape leak on eve of Game I

 

An explosive report in the Sydney Morning Heraldclaims the sex tape was leaked in an attempt to “sabotage” the Blues, and allegedly involves a NSW player.

Speaking as the Blues landed in Brisbane, coach Brad Fittler said: “We’ve been made aware of it and it’s not him.”

NSW assistant coach Greg Alexander told The Daily Telegraph: “For starters it’s not even one of our players.”

Asked if it was an attempt to undermine the Blues’ preparations, Alexander said: “The timing of it. Please. Of course it is.

Paul Gallen slams Kevvie Walters’ ‘weird’ approach to Origin mind games

Gallen questioned Walters’ decision to spend $5500 on an hour with “coach whisperer” Bradley Charles Stubbs.

After the meeting, Walters declared war on the Blues and even banned his players saying “NSW” to media.

Gallen had a crack at the Maroons’ coach on the Sunday Footy Show.

“I’m actually not against coaches using outside influence to better themselves and I think it shows that he’s happy to look elsewhere (for advice),” Gallen said.

Daly Cherry-Evans appointed as Queensland Maroons captain

Not so long ago, the polarising playmaker was booed by Suncorp Stadium crowds as Manly skipper after enduring speculation he'd fallen out with the Maroons hierarchy.

No wonder Cherry-Evans looked stunned on Monday night that he had been asked to take over the Maroons reins from retired great Greg Inglis and welcomed back into the Origin fold as Queensland's fifteenth skipper.

Maroons Origin team: Emotional Walters names new faces, declares 'war'

The Maroons coach said debutants Moses Mbye, Joe Ofahengaue and David Fifita had earned their jerseys and would do the state proud as his eyes glazed over with the passion and emotion that has defined his tenure in charge of the Maroons.

Broncos forwards Ofahengaue and Fifita will come off the bench, as will Mbye with the Wests Tigers skipper beating Anthony Milford to the vital utility spot.

“I'm ready, we are ready. This is war,” Walters said.

Blues Origin team: Fittler to blood five debutants for game one

Brad Fittler announced his squad for game one on Sunday night with the Penrith halfback retaining his spot, partnered alongside South Sydney pivot Cody Walker.

The in-form Rabbitoh, who will be making his Origin debut, was preferred ahead of last year's series-winning five-eighth James Maloney after Roosters playmaker Luke Keary was ruled out following a heavy head knock in the loss to Newcastle on Friday night.

Apart from Walker, Brisbane's Payne Haas, South Sydney lock Cameron Murray, and Canberra duo Jack Wighton and Nick Cotric are the other uncapped Blues.