Queensland coach Mal Meninga has declined to comment on reports the NRL match review committee has given him 48 hours to apologise for accusing them of being part of a conspiracy to stop the Maroons winning a record sixth consecutive series.
It is understood the three panel members - Greg McCallum, Peter Louis and Bradley Clyde - want an apology and retraction in the same Sunday newspaper in which he launched his scathing attack last weekend on those involved with the New South Wales State of Origin campaign as "rats and filth".
Fairfax and News Limited reported on Wednesday letters had been sent to both Meninga and News Limited demanding a full apology and retraction, warning legal action would follow if the requests were not met.
Meninga has not commented publicly since the firestorm erupted over his explosive column.
He and Maroons captain Darren Lockyer, who bowed out a winner when Queensland won the series decider against the Blues a week ago, were special guests at a charity lunch at a Brisbane pub on Wednesday to raise money to help fight autism in young children.
However, a smiling Meninga offered no comment to journalists as he entered the pub and staff were also advised he did not want to speak to media.
TV crews were not allowed inside the establishment.
Lockyer, however, spoke briefly saying the furore over Meninga's stinging attack - sparked by a media campaign to discredit him as a coach - only highlights the passion that Origin stirs.
"It's Origin, it's built on passion," Lockyer said.
It is believed Meninga has fallen out with Blues coach Ricky Stuart, a former Canberra and Kangaroos team-mate, over media attempts to discredit his coaching credentials.
The Queensland Rugby League has backed Meninga, who has re-signed for a further four years, while a number of former Queensland Origin players, headed by Arthur Beetson and Greg Dowling, have spoken out in his defence.
Beetson has been the loudest supporter, claiming the NRL has no accountability and "runs the show".
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-league, state-of-origin, brisbane-4000 First posted July 13, 2011 14:25:59
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