Fifita vows revenge after 'disrespectful' Origin sledge
Andrew Fifita has revealed he was the victim of a 'disrespectful' sledge after full-time of Origin II, and is using it as motivation for game three.
Accordig to Fairfax, Fifita was targeted by Queensland lock Josh McGuire as the NSW prop slumped to the ground following a thrilling 18-16 Maroons win.
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Fifita is reportedly unwilling to reveal the specific nature of the sledge, but says he's stored it in his memory for the decider.
"There'll be nothing better than us going up there and taking out the series on Queensland soil," Fifita said.
"I'm a bit bitter about it. They can carry on all they want at the end of the game there. It's one of those things – we will bank it and go into game three ready."
McGuire seemed to be tasked with targeting Fifita on Wednesday night, at one stage going over the top with a dangerous 'cannonball' tackle that drew a penalty.
"I laughed at it. I knew they were going to come at it," Fifita said.
"In any team, if you're one of the main players, they are going to try and take you out of the game. In saying that, he can dive at the leg all he wants. They're only little but they aren't breaking anything.
"I was laughing at things. They gave away a penalty on me, but I laughed it off. I think they wanted a reaction out of me. I don't think any of our boys reacted. We just got on with the job."
From the moment Fifita turned in a performance for the ages in the series opener, the rugby league spotlight hadn't moved from the Blues' forward in the lead-up to the return clash.
His star has dimmed after being kept quiet by a rugged Maroons defence that had refused to go away before stealing an 18-16 win and sending the series back to Brisbane.
Fifita admitted feeling contained after finishing with just 77 metres and three tackle busts - both less than half of his output from his heroic game-one effort.
"I did feel it, to be honest. They did their research," he said.
"They were holding down a lot more normal than usual. It wasn't as fast as game one, I could tell you that. The refs did their job. I felt like it was slower a bit. Game one was very fast.
"I think that's what they wanted. They wanted to slow it down because I don't think they can keep up with us in the middle. In saying that, they got the carrots."
with AAP
