Maroons coach Billy Slater has taken aim at critics of Selwyn Cobbo’s selection as he declares the decision will not derail Queensland’s State of Origin campaign.
Paul Vautin flamed Slater’s choice to put Cobbo on the bench as he fears the two-time Origin-winning coach has risked placing the Maroons into a vulnerable position for the series opener at Accor Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Queensland legend declared that the Origin arena is generally dominated by forwards, with the current formation of Slater’s bench lacking the opportunity to inject another powerhouse unit into the game.
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Cobbo, who is a utility back, made his Origin debut in 2022, however, failed to feature in the final two games of the 2023 series due to injury.
Despite showcasing his versatility on the field this season, making the transition from the wing to the centres, while also admirably filling in at fullback when Broncos ace Reece Walsh was injured, Slater remained confident in his decisions.
When asked about Vautin’s comments, Slater delivered a blunt response.
“I’ve spent a lot of timing doing it and I know that I’ve spent more time watching our Queenslanders, more than any other person,” he said.
Paul Vautin in commentary on Nine. Getty
“When you’re in this position, you’ve got to make decisions.
“If you put in the time and the preparation – it gives you confidence in doing it.
“That’s my role and every decision that I make for this footy team, for this state, is for the footy team and this state.
“That’s why I’m standing here. I’m here for Queensland. This is Queensland’s team.
“Sometimes there are some tough decisions to make but you make them for the good of the team and the good of the state.”
Watch the 2024 State of Origin series exclusively live and free on Nine and 9Now.
Coach Billy Slater during a Queensland Maroons State of Origin Training Session. Getty
WHEN AND WHERE IS THE 2024 STATE OF ORIGIN SERIES?
Game one: Wednesday June 5, at Accor Stadium in Sydney.
Game two: Wednesday June 26, at MCG in Melbourne.
Game three: Wednesday July 17, at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
All matches kick off at 8:05pm.
HOW CAN I WATCH GAME ONE?
The entire State of Origin series will be exclusively live on Nine and 9Now.
Coverage for game one will start a 7pm (AEST) and wrap up with a post-game show until 11pm.
You can also follow along with all the action on Wide World of Sports’ live blog.
HOW TO GET TICKETS FOR THE ORIGIN SERIES?
Ticketek is the official ticket provider for the 2024 State of Origin series.
WHO WON THE 2023 ORIGIN SERIES?
Origin I: Queensland 26 def. New South Wales 18.
Origin II: Queensland 32 def. New South Wales 6.
Origin III: New South Wales 24 def. Queensland 10.
Series result: Queensland 2-1
Wally Lewis Medallist: Reuben Cotter (Queensland)
WHAT ARE THE TEAMS FOR GAME ONE?
BLUES: 1. James Tedesco 2. Brian To’o 3. Stephen Crichton 4. Joseph Suaalii 5. Zac Lomax 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Jake Trbojevic (c) 9. Reece Robson 10. Payne Haas 11. Liam Martin 12. Angus Crichton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Isaah Yeo 15. Haumole Olakau’atu 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Hudson Young. 18. Matt Burton 19. Luke Keary 20. Mitch Barnett
Coach: Michael Maguire
MAROONS: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Xavier Coates 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Daly Cherry-Evans (c) 8. Reuben Cotter 9. Ben Hunt 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Jaydn Su’A 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Pat Carrigan 14. Harry Grant 15. Moeaki Fotuaika 16. J’Maine Hopgood 17. Selwyn Cobbo 18. Felise Kaufusi 19. Brendan Piakura 20. Ezra Mam
Coach: Billy Slater
NSW Blues warming up during their State of Origin camp. Getty
WHAT ARE THE ODDS FOR GAME ONE?
The Maroons are the favourites, paying $1.74 while the Blues are listed as a $2.10 chance, per SportsBet at the time of publishing.
WHO IS OFFICIATING GAME ONE?
Ashley Klein will return as referee after officiating all three games in last year’s series.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER FORECAST FOR GAME ONE?
Conditions are expected to be damp for the series opener on Wednesday with some light winds in the morning and a high chance of showers in the evening, although only a small amount of rain is set to fall.
Min: 8 degrees
Max: 18 degrees
Chance of rain: 90 per cent
Rainfall amount: 1 to 20 mm