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

Former NSW captain Paul Gallen has accused Queensland coach Kevin Walters of not being himself just three days before the State of Origin opener.

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.

“I think when you start changing who you are, it doesn’t work. I don’t know Kevvy well, but it just wasn’t him, in my opinion.

“It was so different and even a little bit weird.

“He’s won six grand finals, played in 20 Origin matches. He’s done it all; he knows what needs to be done.

“I think it’s a sign of the pressure he’s under. He’s been after an NRL coaching role for a long time (and) hasn’t been able to get one.

“He lost the (Origin) series last year. I think he’s under pressure, Kevvy. This series, his job may be on the line if they can’t get the job done. “The fact that it’s now been reflected on to the players and the players aren’t allowed to mention NSW and Queensland, it’s just like they’re in their head already … the Blues are in their head now.”