NSW Blues fans fume at detail in national anthem image ahead of Game 2

As NSW lined up for the anthem ahead of Game II, fans couldn’t help but notice one detail which exposed a major issue with the Blues side.

Blues players line up for the national anthems ahead of game two of the State of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium on June 21, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

NSW Blues fans are up in arms about two of their own players failing to link their arms with teammates during the national anthem ahead of Origin Game II on Wednesday night.

The Blues were swept aside at Suncorp Stadium as the QLD Maroons comfortably won the contest and wrapped up the 2023 series.

Watch every game of every round of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

In the lead up to the do-or-die clash, Queenslanders had been vocal that their counterparts south of the border simply didn’t get Origin.

The gaping chasm between the two states within the Origin cauldron was laid bare before the first whistle had even blown.

On Wednesday night it appeared some Blues fans had accepted the sad reality that Origin doesn’t mean as much to NSW players as it does to those in maroon.

As both teams lined up pre-game for the national anthems, every QLD player stood tight-knit side-by-side with their arms linked around one another.

It was a stark contrast for the Blues as two players stood out like a sore thumb as they failed to link arms with their teammates.

Payne Haas stood with his arms by his side and his head to the ground while Jarome Luai put his hands in front of him as he looked to the sky while the anthem played.

Haas and Luai didn’t join their teammates. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Now that’s unity. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

The anthem moment wasn’t lost on fans with many calling out the two NSW stars for failing to show a united front before the contest.

Nine news reporter Luke Bradnam wrote: “Luai just too cool to ever put his arms around his teammates. I’ll never know how you NSW fans stomach cheering for him.”

Another social media user wrote: “Don’t know why this bothers me so much but Luai and Haas once again not linked with their teammates during the anthems. Happened twice now no coincidence. At least look like you’re united! Embarrassing night to be a NSWelshman.”

Both Haas and Luai did similar ahead of the Origin opener with fans on social media pointing out Luai also did the same during the Rugby League World Cup Final.

Haas and Luai standing out before Game I. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

No linking of the arms for Luai during Samoa’s anthem. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images for RLWC)

A weakened Maroons outfit took down the Blues during the 2022 decider, leaving NRL 360’s Paul Kent to proclaim the jersey means more for those in the Sunshine State.

“You can sit here and crap on about all that other stuff, but the fact is every time Origin comes up every year and someone like myself or Buzz bring up the fact about Queensland passion,” Kent said.

“You blokes (Braith Anasta and Michael Ennis) as ex-players and I say this respectfully, get your backs up about NSW being as passionate about our jerseys as what they are.

“No way in the world.

“We have got a bloke who gets knocked on his door by Billy Slater who says, mate you are playing five-eighth because Munster is out. He tears up and he says, ‘I won’t let Queensland down’.

“The other No. 6 in the other jersey can’t wait to play for Samoa, so don’t tell me the passion is equal.”