Maroons assistant coach Josh Hannay captured in iconic State of Origin shield photo

In the earlier hours of the morning after a long night of celebrating their legendary win, a couple of cheeky Maroons captured one of State of Origin’s most iconic photographs.

Queenslanders take great joy in lecturing NSW fans how much they love Origin.

Well, this might be the proof.

Maroons assistant coach Josh Hannay has been photographed by a couple of cheeky Queensland players, while he was sleeping with the prized State of Origin shield in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Queensland coach Billy Slater’s emotional fulltime embrace with Cameron Munster will deservedly enter Origin folklore, however this cracking photo of Hannay and the shield optimises the deep pride and passion the Maroons have for winning the three-game series.

Maroons assistant coach Josh Hannay enjoying a quiet moment with the Origin shield.

Hannay, born and raised in the coal mining town of Moranbah, near Mackay, was identified by the Queensland players as being deeply pivotal to the Maroons stunning series win, not only through his delivery of game plans, but in helping Slater conjure widespread belief within the squad, despite their underdog status.

Such is Hannay’s increasing reputation as a future NRL coach, the current Sharks assistant coach will be among the frontrunners for the Titans, should the Gold Coast board move on Des Hasler.

Originally published as Maroons assistant coach Josh Hannay captured in iconic State of Origin shield photo