Slater to inspire Maroons
GREG Inglis believes Billy Slater will have an enormous influence on Queensland’s fortunes tomorrow night, as the star fullback prepares for his 30th Origin match.
The Maroons veteran will make his comeback at ANZ Stadium after missing Origin I with a hamstring injury.
It’s almost a case of deja vu after Slater also came back in Game Two of last year, following a Game One omission.
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 training for Queensland.