Qld’s Walters again refuses to name NSW

The opposition has finally been named at a Kevin Walters press conference.

But it was by a cheeky passing heckler, yelling “go Blues” as the Queensland coach addressed the media outside the team hotel in Perth on Monday.

Walters has stuck with his controversial gung-ho approach to Sunday’s State of Origin II clash, claiming Queensland expect to win and again refusing to verbalise the name of his rivals.

Besides the heckler, the closest Walters got to mentioning NSW was when he appeared to take a thinly-veiled swipe at the Blues’ lack of loyalty.

It took some prodding though.

Initially asked about NSW coach Brad Fittler’s seven team changes after they lost Origin I, Walters said: “I’m here to talk about the Queensland team and how good this Queensland team is going to be in game two.

“The other team have done what they’ve done but that doesn’t bother me one little bit.”

When questioned if he slept better knowing strike centre Latrell Mitchell had been axed by NSW, Walters again dug in his heels.

“I sleep easier knowing this Queensland team we’ve picked is a good side and will be a great side,” he said.

“Our work this week will be all about fine tuning some areas of our game that need to get better and will get better.”

But Walters seemed to have a dig at Fittler when he followed up questions about the NSW changes by saying loyalty had always been Queensland’s greatest asset.

The Maroons only made two injury enforced changes for game two after their 18-14 Origin I win, recalling forwards Jarrod Wallace and Tim Glasby to replace injured duo Joe Ofahengaue (knee) and Jai Arrow (ankle).

“We’ve been very loyal. I have a great belief in this team and the only changes we’ve had have been forced,” Walters said.

“We have a lot of faith in the guys in this side and they will get the job done for us on Sunday.”

Despite copping lip from the bold local, Walters also hoped Queensland would have the majority of support in Perth on Sunday.

“There are lots of Queenslanders living over here and it is a nice colour maroon,” he said.

“Everyone seems to get behind it and I am sure the Perth people who are not from the two states will get behind the Queenslanders and make sure they do a great job cheering our state.”

The heckler may take some convincing, however.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!