Footy legend Ben Elias labels Queenslanders 'the biggest whingers' after controversial State of Origin series opener

Former NSW Blues skipper Ben Elias has taken aim at those who hail from Queensland in a stunning tirade on live radio.

Elias has taken aim at Queenslanders after many criticised referee Ashley Klein’s performance in Origin I, including the controversial decision to send Kalyn Ponga off for a shoulder charge that concussed Tolu Koula. 

Queensland media outlets have continued the criticism, with the Courier Mail beginning a petition to have Klein be disallowed to referee Origin II.

Now the Balmain and representative great has torched Queenslanders for not copping the decision on the chin.

‘They are the biggest whingers of all time, aren’t they?’ Elias told 2GB.

‘The papers, the headline news, they don’t even know there was a State of Origin game when they get beat.

Elias (pictured in 1994) is known as one the best players NSW has ever produced

The current Blues team claimed a come-from-behind 22-20 victory in Origin I

Queensland captain Cameron Munster (pictured) has been left to rue what might have been

‘But when they win, it’s on the front page, back page of every paper… they are the greatest winners, and greatest whingers when they get beat,’ Elias continued.

The 62-year-old has expectedly defended Klein’s decision to march the Queensland fullback from the field.

‘You’re damn right it was. Absolutely. He should have gone every day of the week,’ Elias added.

‘It was a decision made by the referee. Sometimes they’re good, and sometimes they’re not so good.’

Ponga has since avoided suspension for the hit on Koula, despite becoming just the seventh player to be marched permanently in Origin history.

Billy Slater’s team then relinquished a 14 point lead in the final 23 minutes, with the Blues scoring three tries.

Replacement five-eighth Ethan Strange claimed the first, after supporting a break made by centre Stephen Crichton.

Halfback Nathan Cleary then helped draw the blues back within four points, before the returning James Tedesco scored what turned out to be the game winner.