Angus Crichton reveals Queensland’s ‘deliberate decision’ to avoid Spencer Leniu, talks Maroons mind games

NSW’s Angus Crichton has confirmed he heard Queensland’s “deliberate decision” to avoid Blues firebrand Spencer Leniu in Origin I. The star backrower also talks Maroons mind games, targeting Tom Dearden, and more.

Blues backrower Angus Crichton has revealed the Maroons “deliberately” avoided kicking-off to Spencer Leniu and Payne Haas in State of Origin I, taunting Queensland to kick to the NSW enforcers in Perth.

“I know it was a deliberate decision. They were told ‘don’t kick it to Payne or Spencer’,” Crichton said.

“Every rugby league fan wants to see it so hopefully they do it this time.”

Crichton also claimed the Maroons coach Billy Slater was playing “mind games” by naming forwards Jeremiah Nanai and Pat Carrigan on their bench before admitting he wanted to terrorise new Maroons halfback Tom Dearden.

In a wide-ranging interview, the Blues and Sydney Roosters edge forward also opened up about Queensland’s changes for game two.

“It was funny seeing some of their changes,” Crichton said. “I will bite my tongue.”

Angus Crichton. Picture: Rohan Kelly

DON’T KICK TO SPENCER

Crichton has no doubt Queensland intentionally kicked away from Leniu and Haas in Brisbane, despite Slater claiming the decision wasn’t premeditated.

“I know it was a deliberate decision,” Crichton said. “I’ve heard that from people who were in there.

“They were told ‘don’t kick it to Payne or Spencer’. I will let them worry about their tactics and who they want to kick it to but at the end of the day, all our big ‘fronnies’ (front-rowers) can do a job.

Spencer Leniu wasn't happy when the Maroons didn't kick his way

“Stefano (Utoikamanu) said earlier in the week that he wants them to kick it to him. Every front-rower wants it, everyone wants to take that kick-off carry, which is a good sign. You’d be worried if they didn’t want it.”

Asked if he wanted Queensland to kick off to Leniu in Perth, Crichton said: “Yeah, one-hundred per cent, of course I do. Every rugby league fan wants to see it so hopefully they do it this time.”

It is unknown who told Crichton the information.

Haumole Olakau’atu has put the birth of his second child ahead of the opportunity to be part of the NSW squad. Art by Boo Bailey.

Told Queensland’s decision to retreat from Leniu and Haas was a sign of weakness, Crichton said: “It’s funny isn’t it. You said that, don’t quote me saying those words.”

Crichton heaped rare praise on Leniu.

“Spencer is big. He brings that aggression and fire off the bench. He is definitely the best bench player in the NRL at this point of time,” he said.

“The more I see him go, I reckon he might be the best impact player that we’ve seen. I haven’t seen a player come on the field … he can change a good set into a great set or change a bad set into an all-right set, you know what I mean?

“Some of his carries, when you’re in the trenches after 60 minutes, and he comes flying off the bench and back fence, it does definitely boost a team.”

Angus Crichton wants to see the Maroons kick to Spencer Leniu. Picture: Rohan Kelly

MAROONS MIND GAMES

Crichton cannot fathom Nanai and Carrigan starting from the bench with Queensland opting for a back-row comprising Trent Loiero, Reuben Cotter and Kurt Capewell.

“Surely Nanai isn’t on the bench,” Crichton said. “And surely Patty isn’t on the bench as well.

“I think they’re trying to play mind games with us by naming those guys there. I can’t see Patty not starting and Jeremiah was one of their best last game. They might be trying to play mind games.

Angus Crichton thinks the Maroons are up to some mind games by saying Pat Carrigan will start on the bench. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“Jeremiah was a point of difference on the kick chase and some of his ‘D’ was good. Patty has won the Wally Lewis Medal before. It goes without saying.

“But I don’t care about their stats, I don’t care about their team, I don’t care about their changes. All I care about is us, our team and how we can (give) a better performance that I know we can produce.”

I WILL TERRORISE TOM

Crichton wants a piece of Dearden after Daly Cherry-Evans was dumped.

“It’s always my job as a back-rower to try and terrorise that opposition halfback,” Crichton said. “I do love getting in those physical, personal battles.

“The more I can get into a physical battle with them, the less we see of them as a team. Some of my best games have been when I’ve done that.

Angus Crichton wants a piece of new Maroons No.7 Tom Dearden. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“I’m definitely looking to recreate that with Tommy. I like him, he’s a good man, but it’s different when you’re playing (Origin).

“It’s funny, I’ve got really good relationships with these (Queensland) guys so it’s not personal. It’s just the game sometimes. This is ‘big guy on a small guy’ but they obviously have a lot more speed.

“I also know I have to be ready for Tom because his running game is his biggest strength. He’s a strong little bastard. He will bring his best, I just have to bring better. It is important that you don’t go too far and you’re not focusing on your job for the team.”

A FUTURE BEAR

Crichton is off contract at the Roosters after next year and has been touted as a possible target for Mal Meninga’s Perth Bears.

Crichton almost moved to Perth last year when chased by the Western Force.

“I loved playing under Mal (for Australia). He runs those Australian camps so well. When you play for a coach like him you want to perform,” Crichton said. “He’s a legend of the game. But I’d love to stay at the Roosters, that’s my priority, but you’re always open.”

Originally published as Angus Crichton reveals Queensland’s ‘deliberate decision’ to avoid Spencer Leniu, talks Maroons mind games