Dr Cam gives Slater a clean bill of health
QUEENSLAND captain Cameron Smith has declared Billy Slater an almost certain starter for Origin III after revealing the fullback’s recovery from a rolled ankle is progressing better than expected.
Smith said the Maroons ace had tested his right leg, completing a few hops to give his suspect ankle a workout.
“I’m not a doctor or a physio but he looked good to me,” Smith said. “I think he’ll be a starter on Wednesday.”
So confident are Queensland that Smith and coach Kevin Walters have not discussed a contingency plan for if Slater is unavailable.
“Given the way Bill’s pulled up this morning, I think it all looks extremely positive for him to be there and for us to go out as the 17 we named,” Smith said.
Debutant Cameron Munster looked set to be pushed to fullback had Slater not recovered but the Melbourne Storm ace will start at fiveeighth as planned tomorrow.
Slater rolled his ankle in a clash against Cronulla ahead of Game Two and recovered well but aggravated the problem on Sunday at Maroons training.
“It was just an unfortunate mishap really, he wasn’t around anyone, he was moving back in the defensive line,” Smith said.
“I was standing right behind him actually, I wasn’t taking part in that particular drill and he just sort of went over on his own foot.
“He put a bit of a scare through the camp but seeing how good it’s pulled up this morning, I think he’s very positive about being there on Wednesday.”
Smith said Munster had settled into the Maroons spine well and backed the young gun to perform in Queensland’s most jersey – the No.6.
“He is going well, I could tell he was a little bit nervous in his first session but talking to some of the senior boys really settled him down a lot,” Smith said.
“The message to Cameron is go out and play like you have for the Melbourne Storm all year.
“He’s been in fantastic form at club level and that is all that is needed at this level.” famous