Monday Dog: Radley and Mitchell wouldn’t have brushed state if they were Queenslanders

I get sick and tired of hearing how Queensland ‘understand Origin’ and NSW doesn’t but recent decisions from two Blues stars may have changed my mind. Dean Ritchie’s highlights and lowlights.

SOO 2022 RD03 Queensland v New South Wales - Ben Hunt, TRY CELEB. Picture: NRL Photos

So Victor Radley wants to play for England over NSW and Latrell Mitchell withdrew from Blues selection.

Radley wants to represent the Poms due to his father’s heritage and Mitchell pulled out for fear his recovering body wouldn’t stand up to the rigours of Origin football.

I have absolutely no issue with either decision - but would it happen in Queensland?

Would any Maroons player make themselves unavailable for Origin?

I get sick and tired of hearing how Queensland ‘understand Origin’ and NSW doesn’t but maybe there’s some merit to that line of thinking.

As Rockhampton-born Dragons coach Anthony Griffin told the Big Sports Breakfast Weekend radio show: “It’s not disrespectful but it’s a different mentality.

Stream the FOX LEAGUE State of Origin Game 3 REPLAY on Kayo with no ads during-play. Both full and condensed replays available to stream from 11PM AEST. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

Victor Radley. Picture: Supplied

Latrell Mitchell. Picture: Ashley Feder/Getty

“NSW is obviously very proud of their state but there’s this fabric within every Queenslander – there’s a call to arms, whether you’re a supporter, player or politician, when it comes to State of Origin in Queensland.

“I know ‘Joey’ (Andrew Johns) got upset the other night, he is very proud of his state but Queensland has that unconditional love for their state and jersey.”

Radley is entitled to play for England and Mitchell was selfless by putting Souths ahead of NSW.

But maybe that is the difference in mentality between both states.

The greatest show on earth

I want to share two social media posts which caught my eye over the past few days regarding the brutality of Origin III.

Former England, Bath and Saracens prop David Flatman – who now works as a pundit on British television - tweeted: “The early knockouts were obviously unpleasant but the State of Origin game in Brisbane still has a lot of us shaking our heads, Eddie Jones too. The intensity throughout was a level above any rugby I think I’ve ever seen. Fierceness and fitness from another planet.”

Another former Victorian wicket keeper Darren Berry tweeted: “I’m not a big rugby league man but boy oh boy State of Origin is much-watch. Completing viewing. That one was something else. Never met Billy Slater or Cameron Smith but s… I’d love them on my side.”

Nice to know rugby league’s jewel is being recognised and applauded in other sports and other countries.

The early knockouts were obviously unpleasant, but last night’s State of Origin game in Brisbane still has us lot here shaking our heads. Eddie Jones too. The intensity throughout was a level above any rugby I think I’ve ever seen. Fierceness and fitness from another galaxy 🇦🇺

— David Flatman (@davidflatman) July 14, 2022

Im not a big rugby league man but boy oh boy the state of origin is must watch compelling viewing every game. That one was something else 💪 never met Billy Slater or Cameron Smith but shit I’d love them on my side 👏👏 #qualitymen#inspirationalleaders

— Darren Berry (@ChuckBerry1969) July 13, 2022

HIGHLIGHT

Can we go past Ben Hunt? This bloke has been pilloried for seven years since fatefully dropped that kick-off in the 2015 grand final. Maybe, just maybe, his match-winning try for Queensland in Origin III will forever bury those demons.

Ben Hunt celebrates scoring the match-winning State of Origin try. Picture: NRL

LOWLIGHT

To the drunken fan who labelled England coach Eddie Jones a “traitor” at the SCG on Saturday night. A clearly infuriated Jones broke clear of security to front the man, yelling: ‘What did you say – come here and say it.’ Sheepish and embarrassed, our man spun his heels and shuffled off, no doubt to the nearest pub.

SHOOSH

Which State of Origin star could be headed to Melbourne – and it’s not Tariq Sims. While denying any link, our mail is strong that this well-known forward may be heading to Bleak City from next season.

SHOOSH

A head coach has lost some of his lustre over the past year. Our man was once invincible but some players have been expressing concerns over his methods during the past 12 months.

SHOOSH

Which Sydney club is prepared to soothe a disgruntled player by signing one of his teammates - and flatmate - from a rival club.

SHOOSH

Expect some red hot headlines in coming weeks about a fallout between two star players at one club. It has been bubbling along for weeks with teammates well aware who is the chief protagonist.

SPOTTED

NSW assistant coach and former Blues skipper Danny Buderus enjoying some sun at Shelly Beach near Manly on Saturday.

SPOTTED

Former Test cricketer Greg ‘Mo’ Matthews downing a coffee in Bondi Junction on Saturday morning.

Originally published as Monday Dog: Radley and Mitchell wouldn’t have brushed state if they were Queenslanders