sport news Channel Nine star reveals what really goes on in the commentary box at State of ... trends now
Channel Nine's panel of great players might seem like they're getting on fine during State of Origin games but that couldn't be further from the truth, according to presenter James Bracey.
The figurehead for the broadcaster's coverage of the intense NSW vs Queensland clashes has come clean on the simmering tensions that put the panel on edge as what happens on the field reopens old wounds in the studio.
Bracey also revealed the abuse that prompted Blues legend Andrew 'Joey' Johns to shock fans and his colleagues by complaining about having to 'listen to all the bulls**t' from Queenslanders when the Maroons won last year's series in game three.
The presenter described the tension on the set during Origin games as 'horrible'.
Nine presenter James Bracey is all smiles as he fronts the broadcaster's NRL coverage - but he has revealed his colleagues are on edge during Origin games
NSW legend Andrew Johns (right) was furious when the Blues lost last year's series in game three and shocked colleagues like Cameron Smith (left) with a foul-mouthed outburst after the siren had sounded
'It is legit tension. Not even the Brad [Fittler, NSW coach] and Billy [Slater, Maroons coach] thing, mate - the whole commentary team,' he told the Bloke in a Bar podcast.
'The first year I started, that was one of the first things I noticed ... You'd be there on Origin night and they wouldn't talk to each other, there was this weird vibe in the comm [commentary] box before the game.
'It's like going through a tough few weeks at work after that, no matter what.'
That tension surfaced in no uncertain terms after the Maroons took out last year's series by winning an incredibly dramatic game three, which has gone down as one of the best Origin clashes of all time.
Johns was ropeable after the 22-12 defeat and shocked the panel - not to mention footy fans - when
