State of Origin Maroons news: Billy Slater backs Selwyn Cobbo to deliver for Queensland

Queensland coach Billy Slater has dismissed Paul Vautin’s concerns over the selection of Selwyn Cobbo on the interchange bench for Wednesday’s first State of Origin match.

Queensland coach Billy Slater. Picture: NRL Imagery

Queensland coach Billy Slater has hit back at critics of Selwyn Cobbo’s selection as he declared complacency will not derail the Maroons in their quest for a hat-trick of Origin titles.

Former Maroons coach Paul Vautin pulled no punches by taking aim at the composition of Queensland’s bench for the 2024 series opener against NSW at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on Wednesday night.

Vautin, one of the state’s most ardent supporters and a passionate Slater ally, fears the Maroons are one forward short and could be exposed by having Cobbo, a utility back, on the bench.

But Slater defended the inclusion of Cobbo and has backed the Broncos young gun to silence the doubters, adamant his tactical methodology can help the Maroons draw first blood in enemy NSW territory at Homebush.

Asked about Vautin’s candid assessment of Queensland’s Game One team, Slater was unequivocal.

Queensland coach Billy Slater has defended the selection of Selwyn Cobbo. Picture: Getty Images

“I have spent a lot of time doing it and I know that I have spent more time watching our Queenslanders than any other person,” Slater said.

“When you are in this position, you have to make decisions.

“If you are putting in the time and preparation, that gives you confidence in doing it - that’s my role.

“Every decision I make for this footy team, for this state, is for the footy team and for the state.

“That’s why I’m standing here, I’m here for Queensland, this is Queensland’s team.

“Sometimes there are tough decisions to make, but you make them for the good of the team and the state.”

Vautin, the mastermind of one of Queensland’s greatest Origin series victories in the 1995 clean sweep, questioned Slater’s tactics.

“I’m not happy with the bench,” ‘Fatty’ Vautin told 4BC. “I don’t understand why we’ve picked a winger-centre on the bench. I think we’re lacking another big forward.

“I’m not a selector, I’m never going to be a selector but I’m also entitled to my own opinion. Forwards win Origin games. They do all the hard work.

(L-R) Paul Vautin and Selwyn Cobbo.

“I just don’t know how they’re going to get Selwyn into the game barring an injury, which we don’t want.

“We are up against it. I’m not going to tip NSW ever, but I’m surprised they’re the outsiders.”

Asked if he still had any concerns over Cobbo’s selection, Slater replied: “Still? I’ve never had any.

“There’s risks, it’s a game of footy, there’s risks everywhere, but they are calculated decisions.

“This is what we feel is best for our footy team.

“There doesn’t have to be an injury for Selwyn to be on the field, he will be out there, I’m looking forward to him getting his game on.

“He is a big body and a wonderful player, so he may pop up anywhere.”

Slater has had a talismanic touch at Origin level. Since taking charge as coach in 2022, Slater has won back-to-back Origin crowns and the 31-game Queensland legend challenged his troops not to rest on past glories.

“Comfortable is a dangerous place to be,” he said.

“When you are comfortable, you are complacent.

“It’s a big challenge for the group now, there are always different challenges and this is as challenging as ever.

“The challenge is to re-earn those actions and the standards that we have created. It just doesn’t happen again.

“If you start forgetting about building the foundation for the team, then you lose it all.

“They need to re-earn it again, that will be my first message.

“I certainly don’t feel comfortable or complacent. I don’t feel that within the team. I don’t know why you would when playing for this Queensland team.

“It hasn’t been spoken about and I haven’t seen any signs of it.”