NSW winger Timana Tahu's decision to quit the Blues over a racist comment was courageous, Premier Kristina Keneally says.
Speaking ahead of the second State of Origin game at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday, Keneally said she fully supported Tahu's decision to quit the team over an alleged racist comment by NSW assistant coach Andrew Johns.
"Racism has no place in Australian society, whether it be in the workplace or on the football field," Ms Keneally told reporters in Sydney.
"I respect that he's made a very tough decision, but one that for him is the right one ... and I respect it.
"It is always a courageous act to stand up to racism and he has done that."
Tahu walked out of the Blues State of Origin Camp on the Gold Coast on Friday after taking offence at remarks Johns made about a member of the Queensland Maroons.
Tahu released a video statement via his NRL side Parramatta saying Johns' racial slur was not an isolated incident.
The second Origin game, which kicks off at 8pm (AEST) in Brisbane, will see the Blues battle to avoid a fifth straight series loss.
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