I’ll be my own man, says Billy

BILLY Slater says he won’t be seeking leadership advice from one of Queensland’s greatest captains, Cameron Smith.

The new Maroons skipper declared: “I’ll do it my way.”

As his injured predecessor Greg Inglis entered camp yesterday to lift Queensland’s spirits, Slater was backing himself to handle the burden of captaincy and spearhead a Maroons victory in Origin III tomorrow night.

In his 31st and final game for the Maroons, Slater will become just the 14th man to captain Queensland in the Origin arena and he is acutely aware of the legacy left by leaders such as Smith and Darren Lockyer.

Slater’s long-time Storm teammate Smith has been peerless as a club, Test and Origin skipper, winning six of seven series as Queensland captain after taking over from Lockyer.

Smith will be present tomorrow night at Suncorp when he and Slater are honoured for their services to State of Origin, but the champion fullback is determined to leave his own leadership mark on the Maroons.

Asked if he would seek Smith’s help, Slater said: “Not really — I am going to go out there and do my job.

“I haven’t spoken too much about captaincy with anyone. I’ve learnt a lot as a captain just watching Cam and playing under Darren Lockyer. They are great leaders of men and I will work it out myself.

“I hope I can play my part for the team, that’s my role.

“I have always contributed as much as I can and this is no different. I’m not going to try and be someone I’m not or try and do someone else’s job because I’m captain. I want to perform my role and hopefully we have 17 contributors and come away with the win, that’s the ideal scenario.”

Slater said the Maroons were buoyed by the presence of Inglis, who was outstanding in the opening two games before breaking his thumb against the Cowboys last week.