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NSW coach Michael Maguire has declared his team won't be bullied in next week's State of Origin decider after copping heavy criticism from Maroons legends in the wake of the Blues Game Two victory.

Maguire's side physically dominated their opponents in Game Two as they raced out to a 34-0 half-time lead in one of the best Origin performances of all time.  

Led by Latrell Mitchell and Liam Martin, the Blues ensured the Maroons were never comfortable throughout the match. 

Queensland have taken exception to some of the treatment Reece Walsh and Daly Cherry-Evans received, with former captain Gorden Tallis blasting the NSW tactics.

Maguire, however, accused Tallis of having a short memory and doubled down on his "glass houses" comments from earlier in the series. 

"Gordy might be sitting inside that glass house," Maguire said. 

"You look at Game One where certain things were said off the field. Where you (media) want to take that, that's up to you, but we're very focussed about what happens on the field.

"It was nice to see we had a dominant performance, but it won't mean anything if we don't do it again. We've given ourselves an opportunity to put ourselves in a series.

"That game is done now. Game Three is ahead. And whatever is thrown at us we need to deal with. That's the part of this week we will focus on. Every game of rugby league is subtly different in every way. How we want to play, is the style we will talk about and what we want to do."

Origin Moments: Tallis 'rag doll'

Tallis was public enemy No.1 in NSW throughout his career, having been involved in a number of controversial on-field incidents. 

The Maroons legend famously rag-dolled Blues fullback Brett Hodgson in 2002, dragging him over the sideline, while he was sent off for calling referee Bill Harrigan a cheat in 2000.

Tallis' comments added further feeling to an intense Origin campaign, with the two states at loggerheads for weeks after a fiery start to the series that saw NSW centre Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i sent off just seven minutes into his Origin debut for a high shot on Walsh. 

The rookie received plenty of criticism from north of the border, however Maguire returned serve prior to the Blues' dominant Game Two win.

His side's performance in the MCG rout only served to add more fuel to the fire, with fears the decider could erupt at Suncorp Stadium.

Gorden Tallis refused to take a backwards step throughout his Origin career.
Gorden Tallis refused to take a backwards step throughout his Origin career. ©NRL Photos

While the Queenslanders have taken exception to the Blues' assertive playing style, Maguire said his team is forging their own path and won't be dictated to by the Maroons. 

"The most important thing for us is doing what we want to do and playing the way we want to get the result," Maguire said. "We have spoken a lot about what this blue jersey means and what the people mean.

"I have just spoken publicly about the support of the people has been incredible. Wherever you go people are talking about this team. It's really nice to see, where over the years it has probably gone up and down at times.

"To now be a part of it and feel the enormity of it and what it means to the people of NSW. Not just in the city but out in the country. That's the biggest thing we're getting out of it. We're looking at the state and how we want to do things."

Blues v Maroons – Game 2, 2024

The Blues were dealt a blow on the weekend when Mitchell was ruled out for the decider with a foot injury. 

The centre instilled a sense of confidence in his side prior to the second clash and led from the front with his aggression and refusal to take a backwards step. 

Mitchell has been replaced by Bradman Best, who boasts a similar big body and physical frame. 

The Knights centre is under an injury cloud with hamstring soreness, however the Blues are confident he will be fit to play next week.  

While conceding Mitchell's absence is a major loss, Maguire said Best is ready to make an instant impact. 

"You saw that in Game Three last year," he said.  "He’s probably found himself back in that form now, he’s a big body, strong, quick, so he’s really good on his feet.

"Defensively I’ve liked what he’s been doing, that’s probably something there he’s worked hard on, his defence. Knowing what he’s been doing up there, that’s probably the pleasing part."

Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on. 

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