State of Origin 2016: Mal Meninga spotted at Blues final training session

HE helped bring about a decade of New South Wales misery but Mal Meninga was all smiles at the Blues final training session.

Mal Meninga chats with Laurie Daley before the captain’s run.

Paul Gallen didn’t know whether to call security or stick his hand out.

“I couldn’t believe it when I saw him just then too be honest,’’ Gallen said.

“It’s a bit weird because he’s been at the forefront for them (Queensland) for so long.

Paul Gallen found it “weird” seeing former Queensland coach Mal Meninga at Blues training before Game One on Wednesday. Pic: Gregg Porteous

“At this time of year they’re the enemy, so it’s a bit different.’’

Mal Meninga, the man responsible for shattering the NSW captain’s heart over the past decade, would’ve been accosted 12 months ago.

However, after handing over the reigns at the end of last year’s 2-1 series win to Queensland coach Kevin Walters, Meninga was invited by NSW coach Laurie Daley to the Blues’ all-important final training run at ANZ Stadium, promising his eyes were no longer coloured maroon.

Paul Gallen said it was a strange sight to see the former Queensland coach Meninga at Blues training. Pic: Gregg Porteous

“I’m the Australian coach, that’s what brings me here today,’’ Meninga said.

“When it comes to Origin, these games matter from my perspective because I want to pick the best team for Australia.

“Showing my face here, it’s part of my role. It’s part of what I do now.

“It’s nice to be invited by Laurie and the team to come again, so that’s why I’m here.

“I sit on the fence now. Obviously I’m a Queenslander and I’ve been involved in Queensland for a number of year, but at the end of the day, I love rugby league.’’

FORECAST: Rain predicted for Origin I

DUDS: Why Walters leads a gang of muddled Maroons

Mal Meninga chats with NSW coach Laurie Daley at Blues training on Tuesday. Pic: Gregg Porteous

Meninga said he had made a conscious decision to step away from anything to do with Walters or the Queensland side.

“On purpose, I’m out,’’ Meninga said.

“This is Kevvie’s time now in the sun. I think he deserves it.

“He’s been around such a long time, it’s an opportunity for him to show his wares and what better place than Origin. I’ve taken a back step and from my perspective I think it’s important too.

“I’ve got to have some type of neutrality when it comes to selecting the Australian squad.

“(Tonight) I’m going to have blue and maroon on in some fashion.’’

Meninga and Gallen were all smiles at Blues training.

As a coach and mentor, Meninga got to know Gallen on a deeper level for the first time during the recent Anzac Test.

The Blues skipper delivered a man of the match performance.

On that night, Gallen was one of only four NSW players selected to play in a largely Queensland dominated Kangaroos line-up.

There are current Blues players who were stung by their omission.

NSW forward Greg Bird, overlooked by Meninga for the ANZAC Test, is one player who has made it clear he plans to remind the Test coach why he should’ve been chosen.

Unlike Queensland-born ARL chairman John Grant, who wears a Maroons scarf to every Origin, Meninga has promised to watch tonight’s game with one eye on the end-of-year Four Nations and the other split down enemy lines.

“I’m going to have blue and maroon on in some fashion,’’ Meninga said.