SLATER IN FINE FETTLE FOR MAROONS’ D-DAY
MAROONS fullback Billy Slater is ready to save the State of Origin series in his 30th match for Queensland.
Slater faced his D-Day yesterday as he tried to prove to coaching and medical staff that he would be fit for Game Two in Sydney on Sunday, in what was a successful training session for the under-siege side.
The most heartwarming image for fans was Slater at full flight, appearing to not be hampered by his hamstring injury.
The Storm star confirmed he was confident he would be able to see out the rest of the week to play on Sunday.
The Maroons missed Slater’s presence in Game One and it was clear yesterday that the vocal No.1 will bring much composure to the side.
Slater said he did not feel any pressure to deliver, but knew it was do-or-die in what will be his 30th Origin match.
“I’m confident in what I can bring to a team,” he said. “I won’t be bringing anything that I haven’t brought in the past.
‘‘It’s my natural role to communicate and talk and set up plays.
“(Origin I) was difficult watching for all Queenslanders and I’m no different.
‘‘We’ve got a challenge in front of us.
“We have to go down to Sydney, it’s not going to be easy. They’re a good team and they’re going to be a lot better for the experience of Game One.”
Slater, who turned 35 on Monday, admitted it was not ideal that he had not played since mid-May.
However he said he knew how to prepare for such an important match.