Slater’s return an enormous influence

Along with Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston, Slater inspired Queensland to win the game that saved last year’s series.

And Inglis believes his return in Origin II will have a similar effect, with the Queensland skipper saying Slater will help “enormously” with guiding the team in Sydney.

“It’s been said that in Game One we lost over 100 games’ experience,” Inglis said, following the injury to Slater and retirements of Smith, Thurston and Cooper Cronk.

“People don’t realise what Bill brings to the side. Last year it was a massive mistake on Queensland’s behalf in Game One (to leave Slater out).

“He came back in Game Two and you could see the difference he made to the team.

“Bill’s an exceptional player, he’s one-of-a-kind and I don’t think we’ll see another player like Bill throughout the next 10 years or so.”

Slater did have to prove this week that he had recovered from the hamstring injury but has never looked in doubt at any of Queensland’s three training sessions.

He was running at fullflight by Wednesday and put in a repeat effort on Thursday, giving the side plenty of confidence that he will be right to play his first game in what will be his final Origin series.

However, there is still some concern as to how Slater will fare given he has not played in over a month.

But Inglis was confident the experience of Slater would be enough to overcome any match fitness he may have lost, calling his teammate the ultimate professional.

“He’ll be fine. Bill’s fitness is unbelievable,” Inglis said.

“He’s Billy Slater and there’s not much else you can talk about. He’s going out there to do his job and do it well.”