Cameron Smith reveals Andrew Johns apology over Origin backlash
Maroons legend Cameron Smith has revealed Andrew Johns apologised to him after the Blues legend's post-match State of Origin reaction caused a stir.
Following Queensland's remarkable 22-10 victory over NSW in the Game III decider, NRL Immortal Johns appeared irate during the post-match analysis.
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Sitting next to Maroons great and assistant coach Smith, Johns didn't hide his feelings after the devastating loss.
“Why? Well, you won the big moments,” he said.
“Now we have to listen to all the bulls**t from you (Queenslanders) in the next 12 months. It drives you mad.”
Smith clearly felt awkward after the rant and stared at the camera without acknowledging the moment.
Some viewers, including 2GB radio host Jim Wilson, slammed Johns for being unprofessional.
What a disappointing reaction - regardless of which side you cheer for, you have a job to do mate.
Constantly feel like the commentary is so one-sided in Origin - really disappointing effort by Johns. pic.twitter.com/IOe0D6M4Y3— Caitlyn Davey (@cait_davey) July 13, 2022
“Wow, Joey Johns, what a bloody disgrace,” he wrote. “Sore loser! C’mon Joey, really?”
“Sure be upset, but that was just petulant. I love Joey’s analysis and passion but it was spoilt brat material.”
However, Smith has revealed Johns approached him and apologised on Friday night.
He also claimed the NSW legend was copping it from fans, which didn't help the situation.
"I worked with Joey on Friday night and he came up and apologised," Smith said on SEN Radio.
"He said, 'Mate, look, I didn't articulate that properly. That comment wasn't directed to yourself or Fatty.'
"He came up and apologised to me."
Cam Smith on Joey Johns' post-Origin comments.#Origin pic.twitter.com/D3hNrLokMC— SENQ 693 (@SENQLD) July 18, 2022
"He said, 'It got the better of me.'
"What didn't help, we were broadcasting that show down in the north-western corner and there was about 200 fired-up Queenslanders there absolutely giving it to Joey.
"They certainly didn't help the situation."
Andrew Johns breaks silence after State of Origin backlash
Last week, Johns moved to clarify his comments right after the brutal State of Origin loss for NSW.
Johns told the Immortal Behaviour podcast from Wide World of Sports that his attitude on Wednesday evening was spurred by his own love of the Blues.
The 48-year-old said he was 'still broken' after the loss.
“What do they want me to just get on there and talk vanilla?” Johns said.
“I probably didn’t articulate it well enough because I was so broken inside but that’s how I felt. I feel broken inside. It means that much to me.”
Johns went on to explain that the anger comes from many viewers who claim State of Origin means more for players wearing a Maroons jersey than a Blues jersey.
The NRL Immortal claimed that suggestion is a myth and that it was an insulting comment for those who have bled in the Blues jersey.
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