Sam Thaiday has come under fire for his “virginity” post-match Origin reference, but it wasn’t the Queensland forward’s first time.

Thaiday lit up social media with a mix of criticism and laughter when asked for his thoughts on Queensland’s 6-4 series-opening win over NSW on Wednesday night.

“It was a a bit like losing your virginity,” Thaiday told Channel Nine’s Brad Fittler.

“It wasn’t very nice but we got the job done.”

Twitter users quickly posted to remind Thaiday that he was talking to children and not just Fittler, while others suggested comments of that ilk were best saved for the dressing room.

Others could see the lighter side.

“Sammy Thaiday haha too funny,” Sydney-born West Coast Eagles ruckman Nic Naitanui posted.

Comedian Dave Hughes also endorsed the comments:

“Sam Thaiday just won analogy of the year,” he tweeted.

However, the effect of the comments are a little diluted given the 30-year-old seems to have a preoccupation with making comparisons between football and the bedroom.

He made almost the exact same comparison in April after he was denied a try when he was held up over the line in Brisbane’s round six win over St George Illawarra.

“It was like almost losing your virginity,” he told Fittler after the match.

“That’s what it was like. I was so close but I didn’t get there.”