Backing a beer sponsor may not be a good look for Queensland coach Mal Meninga right now.

But it sure beats the sights promised by a cheeky Meninga at the Maroons’ bonding session on a tropical island ahead of next week’s State of Origin decider in Sydney.

TV cameras were banned from Queensland’s inaugural visit to XXXX Island – formerly Pumpkin Island before it was rebranded by their sponsors – off Rockhampton in central Queensland on Tuesday.

However, it was no knee-jerk reaction to the media’s handling of Meninga’s recent gaffe at a Brisbane hotel.

Indeed the media had no complaints after hearing what a playful Meninga had planned for their island trip away from the cameras before relocating to their traditional Camp Maroon on the Sunshine Coast on Wednesday night.

“Swim around buoys, frolicking along the sand. We probably won’t have any clothes on – I am trying to conjure up an image for you,” Meninga smiled.

“What does it conjure up to you? Girls in grass skirts, hula hoops and things like that?”

It may not be the best timing for Meninga’s men to spruik their beer sponsor after the Maroons mentor was unwittingly added to rugby league’s list of off-field controversies ahead of Origin II.

Meninga was asked to leave a Brisbane hotel after walking behind the counter and asking for a beer.

But a good natured Meninga could only see the funny side as he reduced Queensland captain Cameron Smith to straight man duties at the Origin III team announcement in Rockhampton on Tuesday.

“It’s an obligation we have with our sponsors. We will enjoy ourselves without the prying eyes of the media – how good is that?” he said.

“I can actually go behind a bar.

“How are they are going to kick me out? I would have to swim back.”

Smith then added: “There will be sharks”.

Without missing a beat Meninga – a clearly happily retired ex-player – replied: “I’m a fair meal.”