Kev clears Oates, calls in Sattler

KEVIN Walters has declared a crook Corey Oates a certain starter for Origin I as the Queensland coach turned to a former NSW captain for help.

Legendary South Sydney hardman John Sattler made a surprise visit to Camp Maroon yesterday to motivate the side ahead of Origin I on Wednesday night at Suncorp Stadium.

Sattler, who famously played with a broken jaw in the 1970 grand final to lead Souths to premiership glory, is one of the few players to have captained both NSW and Queensland at interstate level.

Now 74, Sattler was born in NSW and played most of his football in Sydney, but a $40,000 contract from the legendary Ron McAuliffe helped deliver him to Queensland in 1973.

Almost five decades later, Sattler’s heart is now with the Cane Toads and he backed Walters’ coaching nous to orchestrate a Maroons victory in the series opener.

“I got a phone call from Kevin to come and meet the guys and it meant a lot to me,” Sattler said. “Kevin asked me if I could come into camp and say a few words.

“I didn’t say too much, I basically wished them all the best and then said, ‘ Just give it to NSW’.

“It was a pleasure to meet guys like Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk.

“They are such a respectful bunch of blokes. I’ve captained both states, but to be honest, Queensland did more for me than NSW ever did.

“The Maroons have copped a bit of criticism over their team but Kevin is a fine coach and his coaching will be the difference this week.”