Queensland coach Billy Slater bristles in tense State of Origin I press conference in Adelaide
There was a tense atmosphere at the pre-Origin press conference in the heart of Adelaide where Maroons coach Billy Slater challenged questions around Reece Walsh’s inclusion.
NRL
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An intense Billy Slater bristled at questions and maintained a steely look as the State of Origin mind games erupted on the eve of Wednesday night’s Adelaide blockbuster.
There was no glimpse of Slater’s famous million-dollar smile in Adelaide’s Rundle Mall on Tuesday afternoon in the NRL’s official Origin pre-match press conference.
Queensland coach Slater and NSW Blues rival Brad Fittler were sat next to each other for the NRL’s final media event before the Adelaide Oval series-opener.
Slater is coming off a 2-1 series win in his debut campaign last year and recognises the importance of winning Game One.
A fiercely competitive player during his 31-game Origin career, Slater had his game-face on during the press conference.
“Why is Reece Walsh ready for Origin?” one reporter asked Slater about Queensland’s sole debutant.
To which Slater replied: “Have you seen Reece Walsh play?
The reporter followed up with: “It’s a big step up though, Billy.”
Slater was then more forthcoming.
“He was picked two years ago to play for Queensland and he’s a much better player now,” he said.
“When you’ve played that position, you watch things outside of what’s front and centre of that position. He’s got so much brilliance in his game, so much talent, involvement and speed.
“He is building a great foundation in that position. That’s the core of what keeps you in good stead under pressure.
“I’ve loved working with him throughout the week. He’s a great young man who’s very enthusiastic about his footy and enjoys it.
“He wants to become the best player he can possibly be. I’m looking forward to seeing him play in a Maroons jersey.”
Slater was then asked about comments made by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on Tuesday that Origin shouldn’t be played on neutral turf in AFL-obsessed Adelaide.
“I actually do not believe in this game being played in Adelaide, can I just make it clear?” Palaszczuk said.
“It should be between Queensland and NSW.”
Slater said he wasn’t fussed about the topic.
“I don’t care right now,” he said.
“To be totally honest, I really don’t care right now.
“We’re a little bit over 24 hours from kick-off. The priority is to get to the next day right and get to kick-off and the 80-minute period in the best shape we can.
“That stuff (Origin venues) will happen outside of my control.”
The Maroons will have their final captain’s run at a wet Adelaide Oval on Tuesday evening, capping off what’s so far been a drama-free preparation.
It was in that training run before Game Two in 2021 that Walsh suffered a hamstring injury, ruling him out of his debut.
Slater could make some last-minute changes to his starting side, with workhorse Reuben Cotter a chance of being promoted from the bench.
But Slater wasn’t willing to give much away about the make-up of his 17.
“We’re yet to make a decision on who starts and who comes off the bench,” he said.
“That will happen over the next 24 hours.”
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