BENCH WARFLAIR
Loss of Slater could create a whole new Maroons beast, says Origin legend
BILLY Slater’s shock Origin withdrawal could inadvertently arm Queensland with even greater firepower, with Kalyn Ponga and Anthony Milford tipped to provide whole new threats to the Blues.
The Maroons suffered a massive blow yesterday when the veteran fullback confirmed he’d withdraw from tomorrow night’s series opener with a hamstring strain.
Michael Morgan is set to start at No.1, with either Milford or Ponga – who both travelled to Melbourne – to come off the bench.
While the loss of 34-yearold Slater is a bitter pill on the back of the rep retirements of Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston and Cooper Cronk, Queensland great Gary Belcher says the Blues won’t necessarily have things easier.
“Considering all the changes around the spine, (Slater) was the one constant that was holding that together, so it’s a massive blow,” Belcher said.
“(But Ponga) is a terrific kid and he’s going to play Origin at some point, no doubt at all, so he might just be getting an early start.
“And I think (Milford) would be fantastic.”
Queensland coach Kevin Walters will consult with Slater and skipper Greg Inglis before making the call after today’s captain’s run.
While Ponga is Slater’s heir apparent and has been in outstanding form with the Knights this season, he has just 22 NRL games to his credit and is yet to train with the Queensland camp.
Milford did join Camp Maroon at Sanctuary Cove, though, and while he has not been in stellar form with the Broncos this season, Belcher believes relieving him of the playmaker pressure would hand him a licence to unleash his game-breaking flair.
“He’s carrying a bit of a load at the Broncos, they haven’t got a playmaker and they’ve got two five-eighths playing in the halves,” he said.
“So the problem is that he’s trying to be a playmaker as well as play his own game.
“If he comes off the bench for Queensland and has a bit of a licence to roam, especially if scores are level or we’re a bit behind, I think he could be fantastic.
“I’m glad he’s already made his debut, that helps, he won’t be as nervous and he’d be fantastic in there.
“If they pick either Ponga or Milford, I’m going to be pretty excited.”
Belcher believes both players will be a great foil for Blues livewire Tyrone Peachey, who is set to be injected off the bench at some stage, possibly at dummy-half.