Slater cops shock Origin axing

KEVIN Walters insisted on ringing three unselected Queensland contenders to break the bad news yesterday morning.

It was talking about Billy Slater’s non- selection later to the media that made the Maroons coach’s bottom lip wobble in a moment when empathy and emotion shone through the cracks at rugby league’s toughest level.

Walters tripped over his words a little as he praised Slater as a wonderful player for Queensland who went “above and beyond’’ in his off- field efforts in camp when sidelined by injury last year.

Two more calls from Walters also went in to Gavin Cooper, who played the dead rubber last year, and Valentine Holmes, explaining their nonselections.

“Kev’s had a pretty tough morning, actually, just trying to sort out our final 17,’’ his chairman of selectors Gene Miles said.

“It’s 17 years ( as a Queensland selector) and that is without doubt the toughest decision we’ve had to make, probably the best fullback I’ve seen. It came after lots of chats to different people. We’ve been more than happy with the wingers ( Corey Oates and Dane Gagai).

“He wouldn’t let me do those calls ( to players who were close to selection but omitted).

“He wanted to do those himself, which I thoroughly support.’’

Walters said later that he felt it was his responsibility to tell a select group of unpicked players.

“I wasn’t going to shy away from it, but it’s not a nice part of the job,’’ Walters said.

“He was obviously disappointed and felt he had every right to believe he was a chance, but we’ve gone with Darius ( Boyd) for Game One and Billy has accepted the decision like the true Queenslander he is.

“He’s more than a player, he’s been a friend of mine for a couple of years now. I worked with him at the Melbourne Storm and I know what he has given for Queensland.’’ CONTINUED:

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