State of Origin coaching report card: Slater’s selection mistakes, Maguire’s mission impossible

After the coaches took the spotlight for the build-up to the Origin decider, PAMELA WHALEY analyses where Billy Slater and Michael Maguire’s got it right, and wrong. RATE THEM HERE

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 16: QLD Maroons head coach Billy Slater and NSW Blues head coach Michael Maguire pose for a photograph during the 2024 State of Origin Series Launch at Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 16, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

The coaches took the spotlight in the build-up to one of the most anticipated Origin deciders in recent history, but how did their performances rate when it counted? PAMELA WHALEY analyses Billy Slater and Michael Maguire’s coaching efforts after Wednesday night’s Origin blockbuster at Suncorp Stadium.

BILLY SLATER

Selections: C

It’s easy to see the right decisions in hindsight but David Fifita should have been picked for the decider, as he should have for game two.

The Titans monster has been banging down the door for a chance to wear the Maroon jersey again, and although he had a quiet night against Cronulla in his final Origin audition before teams were selected, he is a genuine game-breaker and the state needed him.

Take for example Felise Kaufusi’s night, who was selected ahead of Fifita.

According to Fox Sports stats, Felise Kaufusi had just one run for four metres, and -1 post-contact metres. He also made just five tackles and missed two in a short 16-minute stint on the field.

Kurt Capewell, who has also had a slow season with the Warriors this year, was picked as the other second rower. His stats on Wednesday night are about on par with his club averages - 69 metres, 32 tackles, 6 missed tackles, an error and two penalties conceded.

(L-R) Daly Cherry-Evans and Billy Slater talk after Origin III. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Tactics: B

Slater made three big changes prior to kick off, dropping Ben Hunt, Lindsay Collins and Jeremiah Nanai to the bench to have Harry Grant, Moe Fotuaika and Kaufusi starting. Kaufusi played the first 16 minutes and then didn’t return, while Collins, who is among Queensland’s best players over the past few series, was left on the bench in the final 25 minutes when the game was there to win. He only played 34 minutes in total.

He’s the leader of the pack and should have been on the field with he game on the line, instead he was interchanged with Kalyn Ponga. It looked like the perfect moment to put the live wire fullback on the field around tired players, but the forward pack was so gassed he didn’t have any space to create magic.

Credit where it’s due for a hell of a defensive job in the first hour.

Mind games: C-

Slater claims he didn’t buy into any of the mind games being played in the build up because he turned off all acknowledgment of media over the past six weeks. However, despite his insistence, he appeared rattled.

The Queensland champion cancelled a full squad media session early in camp and then looked as though something was under his skin every time he spoke in public.

It’s such a high pressure job, especially with people picking apart your every move, word and facial expressions, but there’s no doubt Slater was simply on the back foot from the start of camp in game two.

MICHAEL MAGUIRE

Selections: B+

It’s hard to poke any holes in a side that’s achieved something that’s only ever been done twice before. All of the selection calls Maguire made coming into the decider made sense.

Newcastle centre Bradman Best was the right choice to replace Latrell Mitchell who was wiped out with a foot injury, while the call to bring in Mitch Barnett to toughen up the pack through the middle was also bang on. Both brought aggression and skill to the big stage, and Best in particular with his sensational try while bumping off Knights teammates Dane Gagai and Kalyn Ponga.

The only selection dilemma is naming Jake Trbojevic as captain in name and vibes only given he played just 23 minutes for four runs and 17 metres.

(L-R) Jake Trbojevic, Michael Maguire and Liam Martin celebrate the series win.

Tactics: A

This was as fierce and well-prepared as a NSW team has ever looked.

They were ruthless in defence, playing hard for each other, but also super confident to take a chance when it presents itself which ultimately won them the game with tries to Bradman Best and Mitch Moses.

They rolled with the punches and then dealt the killer blow.

Connor Watson came on late and created some attacking chances, while Spencer Leniu’s hit ups were magnificent and perfect for this arena.

It’s worth noting Maguire was blessed with minimal injuries in the decider which helped all his main men play big minutes, but nothing was over complicated.

Mind games: A+

Origin Madge is the best Madge. His special brand of magic is perfect for this environment.

He was happy to lob out a few barbs to stir up the Queenslanders and keep us media folk happy, but when is came down to business, he was laser-focused.

The first-time Origin coach embraced everything about the build up, the attention, the intensity and the hatred between states.

He took it all very seriously, and that resulted in a very serious football team.

Originally published as State of Origin coaching report card: Slater’s selection mistakes, Maguire’s mission impossible