Jarome Luai has lit the fuse for Game II, warning State of Origin rookie Reece Walsh that he hasn't forgotten about the Queensland man pulling his hair - and then running off.
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Walsh was heavily scrutinised by the Blues at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday but the 20-year-old stood up to the task and dished out some retribution of his own in a famous 26-18 Maroons win.
Luai, though, was not a fan of Walsh's off-the-ball antics.
When the Blues No.6 was involved in a tackle on Queensland forward Reuben Cotter, Walsh grabbed the New South Welshman by his flowing locks.
As a fracas erupted, the Brisbane Broncos youngster hastily got out of the line of fire.
"He's a bit weak, he couldn't pull it out," Luai said.
"I knew it was him because he ran away too.
"He doesn't want it ... I'm ready for it, I love that stuff.
"If you're going to do that and run then that says a lot about who you are."
It's the second time this year the Panthers man has had his hair yanked by an opposing player.
His NSW teammate Tyson Frizell bluntly told Luai to "get a hair tie" after being penalised for a hair pull in April's Newcastle-Penrith game.
Luai had two try assists in the series opener but his performance will be among those under the spotlight ahead of Game II at Suncorp Stadium on June 21 with the series on the line.
NSW's attack lacked fluency at Adelaide Oval - two of their three tries came by picking up balls dropped by Queensland - and Luai was frustrated the Blues did not exploit the injury-ravaged Maroons when they were reduced to 12 and had Ben Hunt defending at centre.
"I call for the ball all game, I want the ball," Luai said.
"I saw there was a mismatch and they were in some disarray but we couldn't get it right.
"They got a lot of good ball at the end, and that's Origin footy.
"Our attack wasn't the best but it's not always going to be brilliant clean footy. I thought we got enough points on the board."
Australian Associated Press
