SLATER STANCE SHOCKS BELCHER
MAROONS fullback great Gary Belcher has lashed Queensland’s decision to snub Billy Slater and fears it could give NSW the selfbelief to win this year’s Origin series.
Queensland coach Kevin Walters captured the emotion surrounding Slater’s shock omission yesterday, breaking down as he explained why Maroons hierarchy opted for Darius Boyd at fullback for Origin I.
Slater has made a triumphant return from back-to-back shoulder reconstructions for his Melbourne club team this season and hit peak form in recent weeks.
He was in the mix to make his 28th appearance for the Maroons – and 23rd at fullback – but Walters decided to show faith in Broncos custodian Boyd following his outstanding series last year.
Doubts now hang over the future of Slater’s representative career.
The Storm ace turns 34 next month and is facing an uphill battle to break back into the Origin fold.
Belcher, who played 16 Origins and 15 Tests for Australia, last night warned the Maroons could live to regret overlooking Slater, whom he rates as the code’s greatest ever fullback.
“I think it’s a really poor decision,” he said.
“Billy has what Darius has got and a bit more.
“I’m not putting Darius down. He is great but Billy is the best we’ve seen.
“I’m shocked. I would have definitely put Billy in there.”
Belcher believes the absence of Slater will be a shot in the arm for a Blues side who were preparing for the return of the Melbourne maestro.
“NSW are going to be applauding this, it will help them,” he said.
“They don’t want Billy sniffing around running off Cooper (Cronk) and Cam’s (Smith) kicks.
“He is playing very good footy again. I think he’s back to the Billy of old.”
Queensland chairman of selectors Gene Miles said Slater could still help the Maroons.
“Billy has offered to assist in any way possible,” Miles said.
“He is obviously not happy about the decision but he’s accepted it and said whatever is best for Queensland.”