V'landys reacts after police ban Blues bus gauntlet

ARL chairman Peter V'landys backed the decision by Queensland police to ban the NSW team bus from travelling down Queensland's famed Caxton Street on the way to the Origin decider next Wednesday.

Speaking to Nine's Today, V'landys agreed there were too many risks associated with the bus trip, after Blues coach Michael Maguire suggested the tradition could be brought back for the final game of the 2024 series.

"I agree with Queensland police. The bus would end up with no wheels, windscreen wipers and there would be 14 Queenslanders on the roof. The Queensland police have done the right thing," V'landys said.

READ MORE: Aussies knock out top seeds to book spot in final

READ MORE: 'Disappointed' coach reacts to another job snub

READ MORE: Heeney, Swans ribbed for bizarre video after ban

Until 2011, the NSW team bus would travel down Caxton Street on its way to games at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium.

But the drive has been deemed too dangerous for fans and Blues players in recent years.

The trip would produce some memorable moments for television but the trip would pose a danger to members of the community, and potentially Blues players.

Watch the 2024 State of Origin series exclusively live and free on Nine and 9Now.

Former NSW coach Phil Gould called for the famous drive to make a return.

Maguire wanted to give his side a psychological edge heading into game three and thought the interaction with the Maroons fans would give them the energy boost needed for such a clash.

Fatty reveals why 'slack' Fifita was snubbed

"I couldn't twist any arms, unfortunately," Maguire said earlier in the week.

"I did inquire, actually. I got to the heads of department [in the Queensland government] and the police.

"We would have liked to have gone down Caxton Street and had that experience.

'Unfortunately, the way things have shifted in the world, we can't do that."

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply