The article analyzes Queensland's decision to avoid giving Spencer Leniu the kick-off carry in State of Origin I. Queensland's coach, Paul Green, justified the tactic as a strategic choice, not a sign of weakness. He argued that it's a common practice to avoid giving powerful players a head start.
The article highlights that several other NRL teams, including Penrith, Dolphins, and Broncos, have employed similar tactics against Leniu.
However, the Dragons kicked to Leniu five times on Anzac Day, a game which the Roosters won 46-18.
Blues prop Payne Haas acknowledged Leniu's disappointment at being denied the carry but praised his power and value to the team.
The article concludes by emphasizing that Queensland's tactic was a strategic decision based on the aim of gaining an advantage, rather than indicating any lack of respect or fear of Leniu's abilities.
“Our tactic was to take the smartest kick-off, which is commonplace. I don’t think we kicked off to Payne Haas either. It was also no different to [us asking], ‘Do you kick high to Zac Lomax, or kick high to Brian To’o?’ You take the smartest kick.”
Hannay said Leniu’s name had barely been mentioned in the lead-up to game one, despite the blizzard of media coverage about the perceived disrespect he had shown to Thurston.
“It’s State of Origin, you don’t need to get into every camp and manifest this hatred for NSW or any individuals,” Hannay said.
“The media do a good enough job for that. The Blues are the same, and they don’t need to fire up any of their blokes to hate us. The rivalry is set in stone.”
In fact, the Maroons were far from the first team to kick to the opposite side of the field to deny Leniu a full head of steam off the back fence.
Premiers Penrith, where Leniu won three premierships, have also made a point of giving Leniu a wide berth when kicking off three times in two games he has been on the field.
The Dolphins avoided kicking off to Leniu during Magic Round, as did the Broncos on the two occasions Leniu was in a position to receive the ball in round six. The Dragons, however, kicked off to Leniu five times on Anzac Day. Leniu’s Roosters won that match 46-18.
It remains to be seen what Canberra do on Sunday, when they meet Leniu and the Roosters on Sunday evening.
Blues prop Haas knew Leniu was upset when he was denied the first carry after coming on. “I saw that on the big screen, and that’s ‘Spennie’,” Haas said. “He wears his heart on his sleeve. He’s so powerful – I haven’t seen anyone as powerful as him – and I’m happy he’s in my team.”
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