'Shut ya f**** mouth': Willie Mason unloads after NSW defeat

Former Origin forward Wille Mason has unleashed an expletive-laden spray in a bid to lift the Blues' spirits after Wednesday night's defeat to Queensland.

The Maroons took out an 18-14 win at Suncorp Stadium but the margin could have been greater, with the home side producing the greater opportunities throughout the game.

A number of NSW players – and even coach Brad Fittler – came in for criticism after the game.

Fittler hooked Cody Walker while the game was on the line and David Klemmer did not return after heading to the bench with 30 minutes left.

Jack Wighton had a debut to forget, throwing a match-turning intercept pass, while Nathan Cleary was "hurt" as he reflected on his own efforts.

Latrell Mitchell also copped it after being sent to the sin bin in the second half and failing to make a big impact with ball in hand.

With little to write home about, Blues players were savaged by fans but it was player ratings from around the NRL media that upset Mason.

"To all NSW players, don't look at bulls*** ratings from f***wits that don't know s*** about the game but sit in their private box and rate you!" the 13-game NSW player wrote on Twitter.

"Unless you've played or been out there, shut ya f***n mouth."

The viewpoint was echoed somewhat by Cleary, who braced for the criticism that comes with wearing the No.7 jumper.

He has been no stranger to criticism during the first three months of the NRL season after Penrith's poor start to the year, and said he had learned not to take it to heart.

"You've just got to pinpoint the opinions you listen to," Cleary said.

"You have a gut feeling within yourself what's gone right or wrong. That's usually the right feeling.

"People close to you will always be honest with you, the people that mean the most – the opinions of the coach, the teammates, my mates, my family are the ones I take on board and always will."

Cleary's kicking and defensive game was sound on Wednesday night, but he was out-pointed by opposite Daly Cherry-Evans.

Should Fittler ring in changes for game two, it would be the Blues' 22nd halves combination since 2006.

Cleary said he hoped to be given time to develop his partnership with Walker.

"It's not ideal when you lose but I could have done a lot more I feel," Cleary said.

"That hurts after the game. But in saying that, I tried my hardest.

"I think the best way to learn from each other is to play with each other.

"I feel like I learned a fair bit about Cody tonight. Hopefully we can improve in the next couple of weeks."

with AAP