Blues accuse Maroons of 'mind games' over State of Origin II team selection

NSW back-rower Angus Crichton has questioned the make-up of Queensland's squad for State of Origin II, while vowing to "terrorise" Maroons halfback Tom Dearden.
Crichton dissected the Maroons' line-up, which was published on Wednesday a week out from Origin II in Perth.
ABC Sport will have live blog coverage of the State of Origin series.
Jeremiah Nanai and Pat Carrigan have been dropped back to the interchange bench, while Kurt Capewell is listed to start at second row and Trent Loiero at lock.
Daly Cherry-Evans's axing as captain and halfback was confirmed on Monday, with Dearden to wear the number seven jersey.
"Surely Nanai's not on the bench and surely Patty's not on the bench as well," Crichton said.
"I think they're trying to play mind games with us by naming those guys there. I can't see Patty or Jeremiah not starting. He (Nanai) was one of their best last game.
"They played all right in that last game. Jeremiah was a point of difference for them on the kick chase, and some of his defence was good.
"Then Patty, he's won the Wally Lewis Medal before, so it goes without saying … they might be trying to play mind games, but we're more focused on ourselves."
Crichton, who earned man-of-the-series honours last year, said he planned to target Dearden.
"It's my job as a back-rower to try and terrorise the opposition halfback," Crichton said.
"The more I can get into a physical battle with them, the less we see them.
"Some of my best games have been when I've done that, so I'm looking to recreate that with Tommy. I really like him, but it's different when you're playing.
"He is a strong little bastard, so he will be running hard. It's a big call for Queensland, he is stepping into the number seven jersey for the first time.
"I know he will be able to bring his best. I just have to make sure I am bringing better."
The other major talking point from Origin I was the Maroons' decision to avoid sending a kick-off in the direction of Spencer Leniu.
Queensland kicked off to the left and away from Payne Haas for the first two restarts of the match, setting up Mitch Barnett and Max King for the return runs.
They then sent the next two kick-offs to the right and away from an infuriated Leniu after he had entered the field, again setting up King for the returns.
Maroons coach Billy Slater claimed this week it was a decision made "on the run" due to his side being stripped for numbers.
But Crichton suggested it was a premeditated call from the Maroons.
"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 or Spencer.
"Every rugby league fan wants to see [Leniu take the return], so hopefully they'll do it this time."
AAP