Slater the roach stomper
Innisfail’s in awe of local lad
IF ANY man can wrest victory from a cockroach colony starving for its first clean sweep since the dawn of the millennium, it is Billy Slater.
Far Northern passion will be ignited as Innisfail’s favourite son takes over the captaincy for his swan song State of Origin spectacle tonight.
Origin great and fellow Innisfailian Kerry Boustead will be in the stands at Suncorp Stadium for the historic moment when Slater jogs onto the field.
“It’s a pretty big ask to want one bloke to save a side, but I’ve got no doubt he will play well,” Mr Boustead said.
“He showed his credentials when he took over last game and livened up the attack.”
Boustead, who scored the Maroon’s opening try in the inaugural State of Origin match in 1980, said the renowned roach-stomper would go down in history for an irrepressible playing style forged with the Leprechauns at Callendar Park and honed through an illustrious career.
“When a player has one trick and everyone realises what it is, they’re able to contain them,” Boustead said. “Every year Billy comes up with something new – he’s always got something different up his sleeve. No one knows what he’s going to do, and that’s what makes him so elusive.”
The Kid’s favourite publican, Garradunga Hotel aleslinger Ian “Cambo” Campbell, will be cheering on his mate despite being a NSW apologist.
He hoped Slater’s dad Ron could make the trip to Brisbane, but said his seat would be kept warm either way.
“I’ve got the grog ready,” he said. “All the boys here will be barracking for him.
“There’s quite a few Blues supporters but they will still be going for Queensland. We want to see Billy go out in glory.”
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