Seen but not heard: As NRL players give the silent treatment, this might be Alf’s big chance
Queensland will trot out their cavalcade of coaching stars to speak to the media in State of Origin camp following the media blackout imposed by the Rugby League Players Association.
Maroons assistant coach Johnathan Thurston and trainer Allan Langer during State of Origin game 2. Effervescent "Alfie" might find himself as the team's spokesman during a player media ban.(AAP Image/Jono Searle)
Even mercurial Maroons assistant coach Allan Langer could find himself on the media talent roster until captain Daly Cherry-Evans speaks to media on Monday.
Under the media engagement rules outlined by the RLPA, Origin players can only speak on Monday and Tuesday of next week ahead of game three of the series in Sydney on Wednesday night.
Maroons coach Billy Slater spoke to the media on Thursday when usually two players would have been made available.
“I personally don’t have a reaction to it,” Slater said, in response to the RLPA ban outlined as part of their ongoing battle with the NRL over a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
“The response from the Queensland State of Origin team is the players won’t be speaking to our people over the next few days, but the coaching staff will pick up the slack.
“The Queensland people will certainly be part of our preparation,” Slater added.
“That will be just through our coaching staff now.
“Over the next few days you’ll hear a fair bit from (assistant coaches) Johnathan Thurston, Josh Hannay, Cameron Smith and Nate Myles. We may even get Alfie (Langer) in front of the cameras.
“They know what’s going on in this camp.”
Slater said the battle between the RLPA and NRL would not impact his side’s preparation as the Maroons target a series clean sweep in Sydney.
“If anything they’ll just focus on their preparation. They don’t have to talk to you guys too much,” Slater said.
“They’re very professional guys. It hasn’t been spoken a whole heap about.”
The presence of larrikin Maroons legend Langer in camp will certainly keep the mood light when it comes to the CBA argy bargy in the background.
Langer is affectionately known as the “assistant coach of good times” but he is also a valuable asset when the serious side of game preparation is under way.
“He is a big part of Queensland State of Origin and the fabric of our preparation and what Queensland is about,” Slater said.
“Alfie was my favourite player when I was growing up and that was about what he brought on the field.
“He is still contributing to the preparation off the field, on the training paddock and game day. He is out there in amongst it and delivering messages. Alfie is an integral part of our group, as everyone is.”
