'Every fan wants to see it': Back Fence Spence ready to roll

In a story that is approaching more chapters than the Book of Feuds, both sides have gone back and forth over the issue. 

Queensland coach Billy Slater is adamant his team is not running scared, instead telling reporters last week that he made the decision to change kick off direction on the run in an attempt to swing the tide. 

Crichton hit back by declaring it was a pre-game plan and urged the Maroons to change tactics for the second contest.

"I know it was a deliberate decision," Crichton said. "I’ve heard that from people that were in there. They were told don’t kick it to Payne [Haas] or Spencer. 

"Every rugby league fan wants to see that so hopefully they’ll do it this time."

Leniu, of course, remains on a media ban implemented in the aftermath of a run-in with Maroons great Johnathan Thurston during a club game earlier this year. 

He doesn't, however, have to do much talking to make it known how he feels about Queensland's decision to kick away from him. That was made clear by his on-field reaction during Game One.

Rarely has a bench forward generated so much discussion leading into a State of Origin contest but Crichton said it's not hard to see why. 

In four games for NSW, he is averaging nearly 90 running metres per match and has made 19 tackle breaks. 

His impact goes beyond the stats sheet, with Leniu building on the foundation laid by starting props Payne Haas and Mitchell Barnett in Game One. 

Leniu's status as one of the best impact players in the competition is not in dispute but Crichton is willing to go one step further when praising his NSW and Roosters teammate. 

"He brings us aggression and that fire off the bench," Crichton said. "He’s definitely the best bench player in the NRL at this point in time and the more I see him go, I reckon he might be the best impact player we’ve seen.

"I haven’t seen people come on the field and change a good set into a great set or change a bad set into an alright set. Some of his carries, when you’re in the trenches there, 60 minutes in and he comes off the bench, he comes flying off the back fence, it does definitely boost the team."

Leniu is leading from the front and has taken Utoikamanu under his wing as the Storm prop prepares for his first Origin game since 2023. 

Given the duo will likely come on to the field at the same time midway through the first half, Queensland will have to kick towards one of them if the Blues score during that period.

The bench forward has made his desire to have a similar impact on the contest clear and is relishing the chance to play alongside Leniu. 

"He brings a lot of energy when he comes on and has those carries and has that energy about him to try and help the team," Utoikamanu said. "That’s something I can do and he will definitely help me."

While Leniu will continue to be discussed in the lead up to the game, the Blues know there is one simple way to end three weeks of intense speculation. Queensland can kick it to 'Back Fence Spence'.

"I love seeing him coming off the back fence," Liam Martin said. "When I played with him [at the Panthers], I loved it. I don't enjoy it now he's playing for the Roosters. 

"I'd love to see him get a full head of steam and good luck to him."