Slater’s leading role a surprise

Queensland skipper Billy Slater says it never crossed his mind he would one day captain his state, let alone do it in his final Origin match.

The retiring fullback said he had been left humbled by the chance to lead Queensland next week in the absence of the injured Greg Inglis.

“To be perfectly honest, it’s never been on my radar,” Slater said of the captaincy. “It’s going to be special.” Slater, 35, said he was soaking up everything at last Origin camp, starting with yesterday’s fan day in Hervey Bay.