State of Origin: Jarome Luai accused Reece Walsh of being weak after hair pull in Game I

Queensland fullback Reece Walsh has put a target firmly on his back after one of NSW’s antagonists accused him of fleeing the scene of an alleged hair pull during the State of Origin opener.

Nathan Cleary’s place for NSW is under pressure. Picture: Getty Images

NSW five-eighth Jarome Luai has accused Queensland fullback Reece Walsh of being a “bit weak” and running away after pulling his hair in the series opener in Adelaide.

Luai has lit the fuse for a big return bout when the Blues’ series goes on the line at Suncorp Stadium on June 21.

The pair came together in the second half of the Maroons’ 26-18 win over the Blues when Walsh took exception to the Panthers star putting a shot on Reuben Cotter before a bit of push and shove ensued.

“He’s a bit weak, he couldn’t pull it out,” Luai said of the hair pull.

“I knew it was him because he ran away, too. He doesn’t want it (a fight) … I’m ready for it, I love that stuff.

“If you’re going to do that and run then that says a lot about who you are.”

Reece Walsh grabs hold of Jarome Luai’s hair.

Luai is unconcerned and unmoved that NSW has never saved a State of Origin series by winning in Brisbane.

After a late collapse in Adelaide, few are giving NSW any hope of a shock win in Brisbane.

The Blues have failed to secure a series-winning victory in Brisbane during 41-years of State of Origin history.

“We’ll be the first then, hey. I love it, man, that’s what footy’s about,” Luai said.

“We’ll be back, man, we’ll be back for game two. I don’t like to think about losing. That’s a bad mindset to have. We love playing footy and we love these challenges.

“I love winning and that all starts with the mindset. Hopefully I can spread it among the group and bring some positive energy to the brothers and we can put this behind us and go on to our next game.”

NSW players were attempting to stay upbeat about their chances in Brisbane.

“We beat them up there twice a couple of years ago so it’s not like we can’t do it,” said NSW skipper James Tedesco.

“And we’re going to be hungrier to get the job done and then come back to have the decider in NSW in front of our home fans. That will drive us.”

Reece Walsh had the last laugh in the Origin opener. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Blues forward Liam Martin won’t even contemplate a loss in Brisbane.

“We will definitely embrace (the challenge). You want to be the first in 41 years, it would be incredible,” he said. “We have made it a tough job but we will bounce back and see what we can do to be better.

“It’s backs against the wall but if there’s anyone that can do it, it’s this team. The loss is bitter at the moment but the belief is still. There is plenty to learn from the loss and we will be better for it.

“Suncorp (on Origin night) gives you tingles running out, it’s an incredible experience, letting it soak in and then playing footy.”

Luai did concede playing Origin at Suncorp Stadium can be intimidating.

“It think it should with the history and the numbers, it tells you how hard it is to win,” Luai said. “We lost (in Adelaide) so we’ll have to cop it on the chin and move on.

“The odds are stacked against you but, for me, man, I’ve got full belief in this side but Origin up there is a big task.

“The quicker we put (Adelaide) behind us, the better for us. Obviously we have to go back to our club sides and play well and see how we go from there.”

Reminded of NSW’s horror finish in Adelaide, Luai said: “That’s Origin football, brother. Ten minutes to go we were in a great position to win and two disappointing tries at the end got them the win.”

CLEARY CAN’T HAVE A MORTGAGE ON NSW JERSEY

Brent Read

No-one should be safe for the Blues. Not after losing for the third time from their past four State of Origin games. Even Nathan Cleary shouldn’t have a mortgage on a Blues jersey heading to Suncorp Stadium.

Not after what transpired in Adelaide on Wednesday night – an all-too-familiar capitulation where Brad Fittler was thoroughly out-coached and the Blues were soundly outplayed. Adding salt to their wounds, they were at their worst when Queensland were reduced to 12 men.

Nathan Cleary couldn’t guide the Blues to victory. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Cleary was challenged to own Origin leading into the series opener and once again he failed to find the mark. The Penrith superstar is in the midst of his sixth series with his hands on the NSW tiller and a loss in Brisbane would mean he has won just two of those.

Not the worst record, but not enough to suggest he should be guaranteed a place in the side. Not with Dally M winner Nicho Hynes waiting in the wings, just itching for a chance to put his stamp on Origin.

Queensland halfback Daly Cherry-Evans.

Fittler’s instinct will be to retain as many players as he can but perhaps the time has come to put a broom through the Blues. Their attack was deplorable in Adelaide. They looked out of sorts. It was inexcusable given they spent 10 days in camp preparing to topple Queensland.

The old saying is that the halfback owns the result and Daly Cherry-Evans was the one coming up with the big plays when the game was on the line.

Cleary, even surrounded by a handful of his Penrith teammates, couldn’t find a way to unlock the Maroons. He is one of the game’s biggest stars but he was completely overshadowed by his opposite No. 7 and the other Queensland playmakers.

Fittler has some big decisions to make as he contemplates a trip to Brisbane. His future hinges on this series. He will no doubt keep Cleary given he is only 25. Surely though, time – and chances – are fast running out.