Blues focus on kicking

BLUES skipper Boyd Cordner says the key to beating Queensland lies with nullifying Billy Slater.

Cordner has placed the responsibility on his halves to pin Slater down so the Blues can “really get into” the Maroons fullback.

With the 34-year-old overcoming two shoulder reconstructions in two years to return to the Origin arena for the first time since 2015, the Blues will employ a fierce and physical kick-chase designed to pound the brilliant Slater.

Cordner backed Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney to produce the kicking game that will restrict Slater.

“In past Origin games, when NSW has done well against Billy, we have got down there with a good kickchase – a kick-chase which has been awesome – and really got into him at the back,” he said.

“We’ve talked to the halves and the halves know how big a job they have.”