Mal Meninga doesn't hate NSW - no really

NOT only is he one of the greatest footballers of his generation, Mal Meninga also has claim as a gymnast given his stunning backflip.

NOT only is he one of the greatest footballers of his generation, Mal Meninga also has claim as a gymnast given his stunning backflip.

Last week, at a Queensland promotion in Roma, Mal Meninga publicly bagged our Blues.

But on arriving in Sydney, the big bloke was all sweetness and light.

Meninga had questioned NSW's Origin mentality and claimed he was "sick" of the outcry after Origin I.

"I was taken out context," he said .

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The Maroons arrived in Sydney yesterday with Meninga electing to backdown on any interstate taunting.

"Ricky (Stuart) knows me, we've known each other for many, many years," Meninga said.

"He knows I'd never disrespect him or the team or NSW."

Meninga said part of Queensland's success was their humility.

"I'm not into gamesmanship. I'm into honesty. We promote the game in the best light that we can. That's me.

"Let's laud this footy side - they are a great side and they've been dominant in the past six years and we're up there again, we're one in front. We've come ready to play - that's what our focus is. It's not about words, it's not about what we've done in the past. It's all about what we're going to do (tonight)."

He offered a "no comment" when asked what he thought about former Blues hooker Ben Elias calling Queenslanders "smug, arrogant bigheads".

Queensland settled into their Parramatta hotel yesterday afternoon ahead of this evening's game. The Maroons trained in the rain last week in Queensland so won't fear a Sydney downpour tonight.

"Mentally and physically we are prepared," Meninga said.

"We can play better than game one, we can execute better.

"In saying that I think NSW has picked a better side too. They were close in game one and we are expecting a torrid affair.

"We know NSW will come out really hard. They will be desperate.

"They have to win this footy game. They need to otherwise the series is all over and done with."

Meninga dismissed suggestions that referees could play a role tonight.

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