Paul Gallen ruffled some feathers during the week when he described Queensland’s State of Origin players as “bad winners”.
On Wednesday night it was Gallen bowing out a winner after an incredible game three, but he had the same criticism levelled at him and his players after apparently turning his back on rival captain Cameron Smith’s speech.
The Blues ignored Smith’s words praising Gallen and the team and it clearly angered the Maroons, and many fans on on social media.
Smith said he noticed the snub and added: “It’s something our team wouldn’t do.”
His coach Kevin Walters called it “extremely disrespectful”, while Johnathan Thurston went even further.
“I don’t want to get in a slanging match here but I thought it was pretty disrespectful,” said Thurston.
“I think that typifies what their team is about.”
The walk-off came during what was Smith’s second address – he spoke briefly after being awarded the Wally Lewis Medal as man of the series, then returned to speak as captain.
Gallen was also asked about the incident and said he “didn’t even notice” as he was off thanking Blues fans.
