Slater to shoulder the burden - Blues
Billy Slater’s suspect shoulder is set to be given its sternest test since his return to the NRL with NSW intent on harassing Queensland’s fullback at every opportunity in his State of Origin return.
Left out of the Maroons’ Origin I caning – due in part to concerns over his perceived hesitancy in defence after almost two years out of the game – Slater is bracing for a torrid reception from the Blues, who have identified his injury as a focal point tonight.
NSW relentlessly bombed the axed Corey Oates in game one, but won’t be afraid to direct their aerial raids at either Slater or Queensland debutant Valentine Holmes to stifle their ability to build a head of steam on kick returns at ANZ Stadium.
Asked whether roughing Slater up could work, NSW skipper Boyd Cordner said: ‘‘I suppose it can. In Origins in the past, where NSW has done well against Billy is they’ve got down there on Billy – the kick-chase has been awesome – and really got into [him].
‘‘We’ve talked to the halves and the halves know how big a job they’ve got with their kicking game, especially out here.
‘‘Origin is a physical game so we’ll be going out there with the same mindset as always no matter who is wearing the No 1 for them.’’
Slater is yet to commit to playing beyond this year given his torturous road back to the top, potentially paving the way for 2017 to be the last Origin series for him, Johnathan Thurston and Storm team-mate Cooper Cronk.
How NSW limit Slater’s time with the ball is yet to be finalised by coach Laurie Daley, but Cordner admitted the serieschasing Blues would be foolish to pour all their energy into the Melbourne ace and fit-again Thurston.
And so Queensland would be too, to paint a pronounced target on the back of Origin I wrecking ball Andrew Fifita.
Cordner is yet to discuss with Daley the coach’s plans beyond this year with speculation the Blues boss has been worn down in the past five years, but his skipper hoped a series win might convince the coach to stay on.
‘‘If we’re going to win it for anyone it would be for Loz,’’ Cordner said. ‘‘He’s probably the most passionate guy I’ve been coached by and I know how much this jersey and this team means to him. That’s what you need at Origin level.’’