Melbourne Storm part-owner and chairman Matt Tripp has moved to shut down Phil Gould's explosive claim that Queensland and Storm hooker Harry Grant is a "cheat," saying the club has no intention of seeking a public apology and that Grant himself laughed off the remarks when he first heard them.

Gould made the comments on a national television program earlier this week, labelling Grant a cheat twice in reference to the star rake's habit of frequently lobbying referees for set restarts and penalties — a flashpoint heading into Wednesday night's State of Origin decider in Brisbane. You can read the full background on Phil Gould calling Harry Grant a cheat over referee tactics ahead of the State of Origin.

Storm Chairman Fires Back at Gould

Tripp was blunt in his assessment of Gould's remarks, framing them as a deliberate attempt to get inside Grant's head before the biggest game of the representative season.

"This is what we've come to expect from 'Gus' — we couldn't care less what he's got to say," Tripp said. He pointed out that just twelve months ago, Gould was singing Grant's praises — calling him Queensland's best player — which Tripp interpreted as a similar psychological tactic designed to pile pressure on the young hooker.

"Now he's doing the same thing but this time calling him a cheat in the hope he gets under his skin," Tripp said. "It's water off a duck's back for Harry. It's a really strange thing to say about a player who is one of the fairest in the game."

Tripp was emphatic that Grant had not been rattled by the comments, adding: "To call him a cheat is pretty ridiculous. It certainly hasn't annoyed Harry."

How the 'Cheat' Claim Came About

The remarks emerged during a light-hearted segment on a Monday night television panel show, prompted by broader discussion about Grant's interactions with match officials. Former Queensland captain Cameron Smith — himself well known for frequently engaging with referees throughout his playing career — offered the view that players need to "keep the referees honest," adding that such behaviour has been part of the game since 1908.

It was at that point that Gould turned the conversation pointed, responding to Smith directly: "You took it to a new level," before declaring, "Let's call it for what it is — Harry is a cheat." The comments drew immediate attention given their timing, just days out from the decider, with all eyes set to be on Grant's early exchanges with referee Ashley Klein at Suncorp Stadium.

Jai Arrow Ties the Knot — Then Steals the Show at Origin Luncheon

Away from the Gould controversy, former NRL forward Jai Arrow provided one of the week's more uplifting stories. Arrow married his partner Berina Colakovic on Sunday, having brought the wedding forward from a planned Italian ceremony in October due to concerns that his motor neurone disease diagnosis could affect his ability to take part in the celebration.

Just days after the ceremony, the 30-year-old was in high spirits at a Queensland Origin legends' luncheon held at Suncorp Stadium. Hosted by Sam Thaiday, the event took a humorous turn when Arrow — like Corey Oates before him — was spotted wearing a light blue shirt, the colour of New South Wales. Thaiday, staying true to form, told Arrow: "I don't care what you're battling, mate, you're wearing blue, which means you have to skol, too." Arrow took the jibe in good humour, joining the room in laughter.

"The amount of support shown has been overwhelming but in a good way. I never expected any of this at all," Arrow said, reflecting on the wave of tributes and post-try arrow celebrations that have spread across rugby league, rugby union and AFL in recent weeks.

Origin Pay Set to Rise on Back of Broadcast Bonanza

There is also growing speculation that State of Origin match payments could jump significantly — from the current $30,000 per game to approximately $50,000 — following the NRL's announcement of a $5.3 billion seven-year broadcast deal. The payment rate has climbed steadily over the decades, rising from $12,500 in 2006 to $30,000 in 2013, though it dipped to $10,000 during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is also early talk that the salary cap, currently set at $12 million, could rise to between $18 million and $20 million in coming years.