Laurie Daley could not help but take a shot across the bow when the two Holden State of Origin coaches fronted the media on Monday in Melbourne.
Asked whether he was comfortable with his side's preparation ahead of Game Two, given the Blues only arrived in Melbourne on Sunday while Queensland have spent the full week in the city, it is fair to say his answer cut straight to the point.
"I think Queensland got a bit of money for coming down here off the government so I think if we got a bit of money we probably would've come down for the week as well," Daley said.
Other than that subtle clip, it was an expectedly cagey media call as the two coaches came together at the MCG, 21 years since they captained their respective sides at the very same historic ground.
That clash resulted in a 14-0 win for the Blues, a result that still leaves a bitter taste in mouth of the Maroons coach Mal Meninga.
"That is one of the few things I regret not coming here and playing well," Meninga said.
"You only get this opportunity once or twice in a lifetime so it should be one you grab and walk away from with fond memories, my time here was not fond memories.
"When I played in '94 the Queensland side was dominated hugely so I'm looking forward to turning the tables in a few days time."
A field goal by Maroons halfback Cooper Cronk, who will miss Game Two with a knee injury, was all that separated the two teams three weeks ago.
The Blues were criticised for the way the handled the dying moments of that game, in particular their halves pairing of Mitchell Pearce and Trent Hodkinson.
However Daley has kept faith with the duo and believes a lot can be learned from the mistakes his side made in the Game One loss.
"Like everything you want to execute when the big moments roll around but I'll always support my players if they are prepared to back themselves," Daley said.
"Sometimes you’ve got to fail but you've got to learn from it and I'm sure they have. While it is a concern of everyone else it is not a concern internally, we are pretty comfortable where we are at and the proof will be in the pudding on Wednesday."
NSW has not been afraid to throw barbs during training camp with the latest coming from Robbie Farah who claimed the Blues were 'too clean' in Game One.
Farah said the side needed to better match with the roughhouse tactics he believes are used by the Maroons.
Queensland had a relatively simple response to that thought.
"Bring it on," Meninga said.
"That is what Origin is all about. The characters, the attitudes and the aggressive outlook you need to play Origin footy, that is why people love to follow it. We want to be part of that and if that is the case we are ready for it."
Around 24,000 fans are expected to travel from interstate for Game Two, which will kick off at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday night.
