Queensland coach Mal Meninga has raised eyebrows by opting not to front the media ahead of Wednesday night’s State of Origin game three at Suncorp Stadium.

In a move that is set to draw more criticism from rivals NSW, the Maroons confirmed captain Cameron Smith – not Meninga – would attend the pre-game press conference on Tuesday.

Smith was expected to talk on Monday with Meninga holding his traditional match eve media event on Tuesday.

However, Queensland cancelled all media commitments on Monday ensuring Meninga will be a no show ahead of a game the Maroons must win to avoid their first whitewash since 2000.

Meninga endured a tumultuous Origin III build-up after rookie winger Will Chambers became embroiled in an assault allegation.

Chambers was later cleared of any wrongdoing and police dropped the investigation.

The Maroons camp was less than impressed by NSW forward Greg Bird claiming Meninga had egg on his face over the Chambers incident after his pre-Origin I comments in relation to then NSW halfback Mitchell Pearce.

Pearce was overlooked by Blues coach Laurie Daley after he was arrested during a night out in Sydney’s Kings Cross, prompting Meninga to criticise the Sydney Roosters star and claim Queensland had a superior culture to the Blues.

Meninga was initially under pressure to drop Chambers due to his Pearce comment.

Meninga opted not to front the media as Queensland prepared to play for pride in game three after their eight year dynasty was snapped by NSW’s series sealing 6-4 Origin II win in Sydney.