A phone ban won’t be considered by Kevin Walters in State of Origin camp despite the Queensland coach slamming social media “idiots” for trolling his win-less Maroons this year.
An emotional Walters admitted some of his players may need to cope with social media abuse better after he was left reeling from criticism of their series loss to NSW.
But Walters still launched a passionate defence of his injury-ravaged team ahead of July 11’s dead rubber while taking aim at the haters on Monday.
“The social spotlight on our players is horrible. I think it is ridiculous some of the comments that have been bandied around our players,” Walters said.
“All those idiots out there on social media are very brave behind their keyboards, but I know the effort that our guys have gone to this year through the series.
“It doesn’t gel with me the criticism the team has received. It’s not right.”
Halfback Ben Hunt and prop Jarrod Wallace are believed to have copped the most social media heat since their much criticised display in the game two loss that gave NSW only their second series win in 13 years.
They were both demoted to the bench for game three.
NSW coach Brad Fittler introduced a phone ban at camp in his unorthodox yet ultimately effective approach to his Blues tenure.
NSW are now eyeing their first whitewash since 2000 and only fourth overall.
But Walters said: “A phone ban may work for NSW but I don’t see it (working for Queensland) – they will just go back to their rooms and get on their phones.
“Social media is just a part of modern life. Our players have probably got to learn to handle it a bit better.
“I think it is an individual thing. I don’t read the comments. It is just what people tell me.”
Critics have had a field day with Queensland this year in their nightmare start to life without retired greats Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston.
While the Maroons have battled without their stars and a spate of injuries, Walters insisted his team just needed a bit of luck.
In Origin II alone Walters lamented NSW receiving the first Origin penalty try in 37 years, claimed James Maloney didn’t play the ball properly before a Latrell Mitchell try and shook his head over Queensland winger Dane Gagai’s disallowed four-pointer.
“I believe if we have a bit of luck in game three, which we haven’t had in any of the first two games, we can give a good account of ourselves and get a win up,” Walters said.
Not that Walters was making any excuses.
“I will be speaking to the referees (before game three about unlucky calls) but we had our chances to win,” he said.
“Being Queenslanders we will cop it on the chin and move on.”