There’s a real concern that State of Origin 2 in Perth will be another flop.
Matty Johns and David Riccio have called on the NRL to intervene and demand players like Latrell Mitchell and Spencer Leniu fulfil their media commitments in State of Origin camp. And there’s a real fear that Origin 2 in Perth could be a flop unless they do.
Mitchell hasn’t spoken to the media at all this year, with South Sydney keen to protect him and ensure he remains focused on footy. Leniu has also been held back and hasn’t been made to front reporters since his altercation with Johnathan Thurston after a Roosters game earlier this season.
Both players have been allowed to continue their media ban in State of Origin camp with NSW, but it’s contributed to a lack of hype and excitement around the games so far. The build-up to Origin 1 seemed to lack any real spice, and it’s been largely the same ahead of Game 2 in Perth.
Speaking on SEN radio on Friday, leading reporter Riccio feared for the game in Perth (now and in the future) if it’s not promoted properly. And he pointed out that Queensland’s decision not to kick-off to Leniu in Game 1 should be a major talking point before the second game, but Leniu isn’t available to the media to talk about it.
The NRL need to be careful with State of Origin, because what we saw in Origin 1 was the closest thing we’ve seen to an NRL game,” Riccio said in regards to the quality of Game 1. “The media build-up and promotion is critical to the hype and excitement before the game, but it’s become so boring and so vanilla.
“We’re not hearing from the actual players. The game has a responsibility to ensure the actual superstars promote the game and sell the game.”
Matty Johns calls out silent players over $30,000 detail
Johns pointed out that players are paid $30,000 for an Origin game, and should be compelled to speak to the media. “If you’re getting paid that money, I think it’s your responsibility to talk,” he said. “And it’s your responsibility to build the game up.”
Riccio warned the NRL against “resting on it’s laurels” and assuming Origin will always remain the juggernaut that it is with TV ratings and ticket sales. He pointed out that with Perth getting an NRL team in 2027, it’s more important that ever to make Origin 2 in WA a resounding success.
And he believes part of that revolves around the officials giving the players some extra leeway with the way the game is refereed. “We can’t allow Game 2 to unfold the way the first one did,” he declared. “This game has to be an absolute spectacle to win over the West Australian public.”
Johns added: “If this is a dour and low-key game it will really be alarming. Queensland will come out blazing and they’re going to have to let a little bit of stuff go (the referees). Unless it’s something obvious, just let the players decide it.”
Riccio and Denan Kemp said the NRL had missed a trick in not forcing Mitchell and Leniu to end their media boycott, particularly in light of the Maroons’ decision not to kick to Leniu in Game 1. “The NRL need to cultivate an environment in which the players feel safe to say whatever they want (to an extent),” Kemp said.
