It’s the so far untold story of where the real fireworks could ignite in this year’s State of Origin series.
We’re big fans of the way firebrand NSW debutant Spencer Leniu plays the game.
The energy, raw aggression and power style of running in the middle Leniu brings to the table is purpose-built for Origin football.
The only place to watch every game of every round LIVE with no ad-breaks during play is Fox League, available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
At the same time what Leniu said to Brisbane Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam in Las Vegas was completely out of order and the Roosters forward has since served an eight week suspension for the racial slur.
Where Origin could really start to red line is when Leniu enters the game off the interchange bench and locks horns with Queensland enforcer Pat Carrigan.
These two were very close to coming to blows in Las Vegas when the Sydney Roosters and Brisbane Broncos were staying on the same floor of the Resorts World casino complex.
Neither took a backward step before team officials quickly entered the equation to try and ensure it didn’t further escalate.
Both the Blues forward and Maroons forward are hugely important members of their respective sides.
We’re tipping there’ll be no late footwork at the line when these two come together.
MADGE’S POTENTIAL EELS DILEMMA
WE love the way NSW coach Michael Maguire has pushed his chips all-in in his first-ever State of Origin camp.
What we’re not so big on is Madge’s name being continually linked to the vacant Parramatta job for next season.
Only six months ago Maguire signed a two-year deal to be the Blues coach for 2024 and 2025 with an option for 2026 provided he wins a series.
Yet here we are six days out before Maguire’s first series at the helm of NSW has even started and now all of a sudden there could be interest in the Parramatta coaching job.
We’re not for a millisecond questioning Maguire’s commitment or attention to detail in terms of this year’s series.
But surely if he’s signed a two-year deal to be the coach of NSW then that’s where it starts and finishes.
Coaching the Blues is one of the most sought-after jobs in elite rugby league.
The Kiwis certainly saw it that way because they weren’t prepared to let Maguire continue coaching New Zealand and coaching NSW.
Besides that, if Madge can win this year’s series and get the Blues to perform strongly in next year’s series well his stocks are only going to be on the up.
If Maguire wants to go back to NRL club-land after that then go for your life.
Given the way the coaching rollercoaster is twisting and turning of late it’s not like there’s any danger of there being a shortage of opportunities.
Will Madge jump ship for Parra top job? | 06:02
MORE NRL NEWS
‘UNTOUCHABLE’: Blues Origin duo have been smashing QLD since they were teens
‘TICKING TIME BOMB’: The huge ‘concern’ facing Blues amid star’s no-show
MCINNES SPEAKS: Blues rookie opens up on sliding doors moment behind Origin rise
We had a good giggle at Manly coach Anthony Seibold supposedly storming out of contract negotiations with Sea Eagles boss Tony Mestrov late last week.
With the greatest of respect to Seibs last time we checked rival clubs aren’t exactly banging down the door in a rush to sign him and he’s contracted until the end of 2025 anyway.
Given the Sea Eagles finished 12th in a 17 team competition last year and currently sit ninth at the halfway point of 2024 with six wins and five losses – sorry, what’s the rush? Are we missing something?
Seibold is doing a good job at the Sea Eagles and has done well in his second crack as an NRL head coach but the furphy about Parramatta having his name on a short list is difficult to fathom.
We would have thought provided Seibold continues to notch quality wins like the Sea Eagles did against the Storm in round 12 and Manly make the finals then it’s a far more opportune time to start talking about contract extensions.
Hold the phone.
If you freeze it there – THERE it is – the manipulation and the agitation from none other than the great Isaac Moses.
Controversial player agent Moses also acts as an agent for Seibold.
With Parramatta having moved on Brad Arthur and Michael Maguire a chance of leading NSW to an Origin series victory is it the latest case of Moses trying to stay ahead of the rugby league curve?
As we told you last week one very well respected figure in the game often jokes about how Moses looks at NRL clubs as like setting up McDonald’s franchises.
Moses currently has five NRL head coaches on the books including Seibold (McDonald’s Brookvale), Adam O’Brien (McDonald’s Merewether), Shane Flanagan (McDonald’s Wollongong/Kogarah), Andrew Webster (McDonald’s Auckland) and Todd Payten (McDonald’s Townsville).
No doubt he’d love to open up McDonald’s Parramatta (Kellyville) next.
The Sea Eagles have since parked all negotiations with Seibold until the end of the season which is the right call.
Is Taumalolo on the outer at Cowboys? | 03:18
WAHS DENY AFB RUMOURS
Warriors boss Cameron George has shot down suggestions gun front rower Addin Fonua-Blake has asked for an immediate release.
The Warriors shocked many in the game when they opted to stand AFB down from the round 12 match against the Dolphins because he’d missed the team song and a post-game debrief from coach Andrew Webster after Magic Round.
Then the word went around about AFB asking for an immediate release.
Fonua-Blake has signed with Cronulla for next season and Sharks officials had been in contact after the front row forward was stood down.
But we’ve been told it was merely a welfare check.
Warriors boss George is also adamant there’s been no request and told us: “No one in any way shape or form has asked about Addin getting an early release.
“And Addin has been outstanding since Webby spoke to him about why we had to discipline him.”