Influential Queensland rugby league figures have reacted in unison to the reported rift between NSW captain Andrew Johns and coach Phil Gould with a resounding "who cares".

The public spat between Johns and Gould has dominated talk in NSW rugby league circles in recent days, but it's barely caused a ripple north of the border.

Queensland manager Chris Close summed up Maroon feelings when asked what he thought of the split between the key players in NSW's attempt to win back the State of Origin Shield.

"I haven't got time to worry about what they're doing," Close said.

"Nobody has thought enough of it to discuss it with me.

"It's neither here nor there. If (Johns) plays he plays, if he doesn't, he doesn't.

"Who cares."

Former Queensland forward Andrew Gee said Brisbane's players, who will dominate the Maroons side in this year's series, weren't paying much attention to the Johns-Gould saga either.

"We don't really care too much although it's a bit funny," said Gee, who has played 15 Origins.

"They're just trying to get a bit of publicity for themselves and pump their team up."

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