Rival coaches Mal Meninga and Ricky Stuart's friendship has been sorely tested this season, but Meninga hopes they can heal the rift after the series decider next week.

 Maroons coach' Meninga admitted that Stuart had got under his skin a bit.

Mostly down to Stuart's pre-match comments and a story in a Sydney newspaper which appeared to discredit the Queensland stalwart.

Meninga said he hoped they could patch things up over a few beers next week.