Billy Slater should have had the Maroons kick off to NSW enforcer Spencer Leniu in State of Origin I, Queensland great Cooper Cronk says.

Having declined to confront Leniu on a return hit-up after he came off the bench fired up, the Blues prop was handed a mental win by Queensland, believes former NSW player Matty Johns.

“If I was giving Billy advice, I’d be backing in Patrick Carrigan. Line him up on him (Leniu) and kick to him first off,” Cronk said.

Johns added: “I think it’s a victory, a victory for Spencer.”

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Leniu was interjected into the clash in the 30th minute after a Brian To’o try. He was lining up on the right side, openly calling for the first carry to make his mark in the series opener.

Cronk said he also understood why Queensland avoided the clash.

“It’s chicken and the egg, right?” he said. “Sometimes origin is a lot of little things that ends up being the result.

“Let’s say Spencer comes back and skittles three Queensland defenders – who’s won that battle?”

“On the flip side, if Queensland go and pick him up and throw him six-foot under the ground, that’s where it sits.

“I love the fact that a NSW forward goes to Suncorp and just wants to rile up the crowd.

“Billy’s said it was because Valentine Holmes was kicking off and didn’t want to be short. It’s almost like if you’re going to take him on, cut the snake’s head off and go after him.”

Johns added: “Sometimes it sounds stupid – but sometimes the smart thing’s not the right thing.”

Slater defended the decision to not kick off to Queensland’s new public enemy No.1 but NSW greats Paul Gallen and Willie Mason said it showed the Maroons were “scared” of Leniu.

Cronk pointed out: “Would you rather tackle Max King or Spencer Leniu?”

“No offence to Max King,” replied Johns sheepishly.