WHY did Paul Gallen and the Blues snub Cameron Smith’s speech after Origin III? The Maroons smashed the NSW skipper with a brutal sledge in his farewell game.

Meanwhile, Gallen and coach Laurie Daley have both responded to criticism that was levelled at their team following the Origin III aftermath, and Queensland veteran Nate Myles has opened up on his Origin future.

Catch all the latest NRL news in Media Watch!

MAROONS SLEDGE: WHY GALLEN, BLUES SNUBBED SMITH

Upcoming Matches

Paul Gallen and the Blues turned their back and walked off during Cameron Smith’s Origin III captain’s speech because Queensland peppered the NSW captain with a cutting sledge during his farewell match, FOX Sports’ chief NRL reporter James Hooper has revealed.

Hooper said Gallen was repeatedly targeted with the claim that he was at fault for NSW’s poor, losing culture during his long reign as captain. The empty seats in ANZ Stadium for his send-off game were also pointed out.

The jibes that went down like a lead balloon as the tough forward signed off in his 24th Origin match, which was just his ninth win.

“According to the NSW camp, Paul Gallen feels as though he was vilified and sledged throughout the course of the game,” Hooper told NRL Tonight.

“The Queenslanders picked on him and suggested that he was responsible for the losing culture, they’ve only won one series out of 11. And it was his farewell party, yet there weren’t that many fans there, there were only 61,000 people out there at (82,000 capacity) ANZ Stadium.

“But the way I see it, that’s simply sour grapes. Paul Gallen’s legacy as a footballer - look, I think he’s going to be remembered primarily as a bad sport.”

Hooper continued a withering assessment of Gallen’s career - watch in the video above.

An emotional Paul Gallen of the Blues sits on the bench during State of Origin III. Source: AAP

‘WE WEREN’T DISRESPECTFUL’

Paul Gallen and Laurie Daley have both rejected claims that the Blues deliberately turned their backs and walked away during Cameron Smith’s speech after game three.

Maroons star Johnathan Thurston lashed out at the Blues post-match, calling them “disrespectful”, saying the act “typifies what that team is about”.

Gallen defended his team’s actions on the Triple M Rush Hour on Thursday afternoon and reiterated the respect he has for Smith.

“I can only tell the people once again the admiration and respect I have for Cam Smith,” Gallen said.

“He’s the best player I’ve ever seen, played with or played against.

“Without coming out and saying that I love him, I don’t know how much more respect and admiration I can give an individual player.

“There’s absolutely no disrespect to Cameron Smith whatsoever from myself or the team.

“For the Queensland team if they listen to my speech, I actually acknowledged how good a side they are, they were deserving winners of the series and on top of that, not only are they a team of champions but they’re a champion team.”

Gallen said the Blues simply wanted to thank the fans for showing up for the dead rubber.

“It wasn’t about disrespecting Cameron or walking away from his speech, it was just a walkaround and thank the crowd,” Gallen added.

“Once we did that we came together on the halfway line with the Queensland players and me and Corey Parker had photos together.”

NSW coach Laurie Daley echoed Gallen’s comments on NRL 360.

“I’ve got no doubt our blokes weren’t being disrespectful,” Daley said.

“I think they just got caught up in the moment of wanting to celebrate with their fans. That’s the way I saw it.

“I have to say our guys wouldn’t have done that on purpose, I guarantee you.”

Ben Ikin, Nathan Ryan and Ben Glover discuss the future of NSW and where Newcastle forward Robbie Rochow will end up.

You can alsosubscribe via iTunesor for Android users, listen on the iPP Podcast Player app.

SHIELD PRESENTATION CHANGE?

The Maroons had won the series before game three, yet were presented the shield after losing the dead rubber.

Both Origin coaches believe the system needs to change going forward and should be based on home ground advantage.

“I think for Queensland, they needed to be presented with the shield up there after game two when they won,” Daley told NRL 360.

“In 2014 it felt weird, we went up there and lost game three so you’re happy that you won, but you’re disappointed that you lost.”

The Maroons with the shield after Origin III. Source: AAP

Queensland coach Kevin Walters called on the NRL to be more accommodating.

“I think they need to be flexible with it,” he said.

“If you have won the series, or you’re about to win the series, that shield’s got to be presented there and then.

“If it is Queensland at their home ground and they’ve won two-nil well get the trophy out there and then. Likewise if it’s NSW.

“I think that’s going to work for both teams and both states.”

MYLES ON ORIGIN FUTURE

Queensland veteran Nate Myles has been under fire for much of the season due to his form and there have been calls for the Sea Eagle to be axed from the Maroons.

Myles, who has 31 Origins to his name, says he won’t stand in the way of future stars who are coming through the ranks.

Forwards the likes of Dylan Napa, Jarrod Wallace and Chris Grevsmuhl have all been touted as future Origin players but were unavailable for this year’s series after been banned for breaching curfew while in camp with the QAS Emerging Origin squad.

Myles has no doubt we’ll be seeing them in one of rugby league’s toughest arenas.

“If I am available I’ll be putting my hand up,” Myles told NRL Tonight.

“But at the same time, I’ve said for the last couple of months I’m so happy with the fact that Queensland is in a rich position with youth coming through.

“There were a couple of guys who weren’t allowed to play this year due to off-field stuff and they get that opportunity next year and I’m not going to stand in the way of that.”

WILL BIRD, FARAH PLAY NEXT YEAR?

On the subject of Origin futures, NSW coach Laurie Daley hasn’t ruled out the possibility of Greg Bird returning to the Blues side next year.

Bird was dropped for game three with Daley opting for younger players Wade Graham and Tyson Frizell.

When asked on NRL 360 whether Bird’s Origin career was over, Daley replied: “No one’s career is ever over, but it depends on how they play.

“But the guys that we selected, if they’re fit and available next year and they hold their form, I’ve got not reason why they won’t be there. Boyd Cordner’s another to come into the mix.

“’Birdy’ would have to be playing really good footy.”

On Robbie Farah, Daley said he wasn’t sure because the hooker’s NRL future was up in the air.

Farah has had a well-publicised saga with the Wests Tigers and was recently been relegated to the bench for the club sparking talk he may leave at the end of the season.

“(With) Robbie, I’m not quite sure because I’m not sure where he’ll be at the end of the year,” Daley said.

“I’ve had chats with him, but nothing major, about what’s happening and the future.

“But now that Origin’s out of the road and they’ve got a bye this weekend I think maybe in the next week or two you may have something firmer on what he’s doing.”

BLUES TO MOVE BASE?

Fairfax Media is reporting that the Panthers’ $22 million academy and Magenta Shores Resort on the Central Coast are being discussed as possible training bases for the Blues next year.

The Coffs Harbour deal has expired so Laurie Daley and his players may have to prepare somewhere else for the 2017 series.

Fairfax also says Daley is likely to continue his role next year, but there may be staff changes and the reintroduction of a selection panel.

Download the newFOX SPORTS Appto get the latest news and scores from your NRL team.