Kenny: Origin can save league

Former Parramatta, Australian and New South Wales legend Brett Kenny says the State of Origin series has the potential to save rugby league and divert attention from the current problems engulfing the game.

Kenny says the game needs to do its talking on the field, and the Origin series is the perfect opportunity for that to happen.

?I think it?s the greatest game in the world and lets hope the Origin series is a great one,? Kenny said at a 2GB function at Harvey Norman in Liverpool this afternoon.

?If it is, everyone will forget what?s happened in the past. I would like to think we can put this behind us and go forward.?

Kenny was speaking following revelations this morning that a State of Origin player?s mobile phone was used to leave a sexual voice message on the phone of a young woman. The phone belonged to Anthony Minichiello, who claims it was stolen during a team bonding session.

The incident follows sexual assault allegations against a number of Bulldogs players, and a variety of other off-field incidents that continue to engulf the game.

Kenny, who was highly critical of Blues coach Phil Gould last year, said he was unsure if players will ever learn from past mistakes.

Meanwhile, Queensland five-eighth Chris Flannery has suffered an ankle injury at training this morning but is expected to play in next Wednesday?s match at Stadium Australia.