“I don’t know if there’s a lot of hate out there now, but there’s certainly a lot of love.” These were the unexpected words from New South Wales (NSW) coach Laurie Daley on the eve of the State of Origin Game II in Perth. As the rivalry between NSW and Queensland teams heats up, the tone has shifted from hostility to mutual respect, as evidenced by the joint press conference held in Perth’s Central Business District.
Seated alongside his Queensland counterpart Billy Slater, Daley emphasized that while the State of Origin has always been about “mate v mate, state v state,” it is not driven by animosity. Slater echoed this sentiment, criticizing those outside the team camps who have hurled insults at coaches or players for their lack of aggressive banter in this new era of the Origin series.
New Era of Respect in State of Origin
In his second tenure as the Blues’ coach, Daley has experienced a smoother journey and has shown magnanimity towards his opponents, even as he strategizes their defeat. When asked if he harbored any hatred for Queensland, Daley responded, “No, no, but what I do love is my team.”
Slater, reflecting the same respectful tone, stated, “Look, I’ve got great respect for – especially those three individuals (Daley, captain Isaah Yeo, and Nathan Cleary) – over there in the NSW team and what they do.” He further acknowledged the passion of the supporters, saying, “We’re not sitting in this position if it doesn’t mean so much to the people of Queensland and the people of NSW.”
“I don’t know if there’s a lot of hate out there now, but there’s certainly a lot of love for the individual team in the state you’re from.” – Billy Slater
Pressure Mounts on Queensland
Despite the respectful exchange, the pressure is undeniably on Slater and the Maroons to keep the series alive. Historically, Perth has not been kind to Queensland, with significant losses in 2019 and 2022. After losing their last three matches, including the 2024 decider and the 2025 series opener at Suncorp Stadium, questions about Slater’s future and the pressure he faces have intensified.
Slater addressed these concerns, stating, “What is pressure? To me, the opposite of pressure is comfort. You’re either comfortable or you’re in a pressure situation. And I think you earn that opportunity, whether it’s as a player or a coach, to be in this environment, because it means so much to the people of our states; it means so much to the people involved in the game.”
“But of course there’s pressure. There was pressure in grand finals. There was pressure in State of Origin games and there still is. And the day there’s no pressure, I’ll be a bit worried.” – Billy Slater
Advocating for Respectful Commentary
The press conference also touched on broader issues, as June is recognized as Men’s Mental Health Month. Slater took this opportunity to highlight the importance of respectful commentary within the sport. Responding to remarks made by media personalities like former NSW prop Aaron Woods, Slater emphasized the responsibility that comes with holding a position in the media.
“When you hold a position in the media or in our game, I feel that’s a privilege. And with that privilege comes a responsibility,” Slater remarked. He pointed out the influence of media voices, stating, “I sit in that position most weeks and you amplify your voice to millions of people. You’re not talking to your mates in the pub.”
“When you degrade someone personally in a derogatory manner, you probably don’t deserve one of those privileged positions that we’re all in.” – Billy Slater
Looking Ahead to Game II
As the teams prepare for Game II, the focus remains on the field. The respectful tone set by the coaches could influence not only the players but also the fans, fostering a more positive atmosphere around the game. The outcome of this match will be crucial for Queensland, as a loss would mean conceding the series to NSW.
With the series on the line, the anticipation is palpable. Will the Queensland spirit ignite a comeback, or will NSW continue their winning streak? The answer will unfold as the teams clash in Perth, a city that has seen its fair share of Origin drama.
The State of Origin continues to evolve, with respect and sportsmanship taking center stage in this iconic Australian sporting event.
