Wayne Bennett reckons criticism of NSW pair Josh Dugan and Blake Ferguson for drinking on a day off before State of Origin is a case of media "hysterics", suggesting Queensland players were probably doing the same thing.

Dugan and Ferguson are under investigation for their alleged eight-hour session at the Lennox Point Hotel, five days out from last week's series decider at Suncorp Stadium.

Bennett, who last coached the Maroons in 2003, said it was a "waste of time" worrying about it.

"I just thought it was one of those media beat-ups again," Bennett told reporters on Wednesday.

"There's been a bit of hysteria when we don't really need it.

"The question (should) be how many Queensland players had a drink on Friday or Saturday? I bet you they weren't perfect either."

Bennett said it probably would have been a talking point in the media even if the Blues had won.

"There's a difference between having a few beers and being drunk and out of control," he said.

"We lock these guys up for 10 days. I don't know what they think they're going to do with them.

"They get bored. They're young men.

"You guys (the media) know a hell of a lot more behind the scenes than you want to publicly say, so the bottom line is I don't think it was out of order what they did.

"They came home in a pretty good state."