Slater scare for Camp Maroon

ORIGIN: Maroons star Billy Slater has sent a scare through Queensland’s State of Origin camp, with the superstar fullback suffering an ankle injury at training yesterday.

Slater appeared to roll his ankle during the Maroons’ main session at their Gold Coast base.

With the series decider against New South Wales in Brisbane on Wednesday, the fullback lay on the ground for several minutes, clutching his right ankle.

Slater was assisted by medical staff, but did manage to get to his feet and walk from the training field.

The 34-year-old had his right ankle strapped before he was driven away in a golf cart for further treatment.

His availability for game three is in doubt, and he was later seen walking with a significant limp.

The loss of Slater would prove catastrophic for Kevin Walters’ side, having already lost stars Johnathan Thurston and Darius Boyd for the Origin decider.

Queensland forward Jarrod Wallace downplayed the severity in the injury, saying Slater appeared relatively calm after the training mishap.

“He said straight away, ‘I rolled my ankle’,” Wallace said.

“No one really panicked too much, that’s why we left him with the physios.

“He’s just got some ice on it now. He’s a tough cookie so it will take a lot more than a rolled ankle to keep him out.”

Queensland do have a replacement already in camp, Cameron Munster, and the Storm star trained at fullback during the session as potential cover.

Valentine Holmes is another option for Queensland, but the Cronulla No.1 dismissed the thought of being considered as a replacement for Slater in game three.

“It’s way too early for that. I am just starting my career. But I reckon Billy will be sweet,” he said. “The coach will give him up to kick-off to make sure he is right.”