Maroons turn on Kevvie Walters for his “really poor decision” to snub Billy Slater, while NSW cheer

CIVIL war has broken out in Queensland over Kevvie Walters’ stunning omission of the Maroons’ greatest ever fullback Billy Slater.

Billy Slater. Queensland vs New South Wales at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane for the first game in the 2014 State of Origin series. Pic Peter Wallis

CIVIL war has broken out in Queensland over the stunning omission of the Maroons’ greatest ever fullback Billy Slater.

While NSW fans were cheering what was labelled one of the greatest shocks in State of Origin history, Maroons coach Kevvie Walters was under attack from within for his decision to snub the Melbourne Storm superstar so that Darius Boyd could keep his spot.

Incredibly, Slater was completely left out of Walters’ 18-man squad as out-of-form North Queensland centre Justin O’Neill kept his spot in the team.

The Maroons admitted Slater was “not happy” with the decision, while fans and former greats were questioning why Walters didn’t pick both and play Boyd on the wing, where he has spent most of his Origin career.

Slater has been overlooked for Origin I.

“I think it’s a really poor decision,” former champion Queensland No. 1 Gary Belcher said.

“Billy has what Darius has got and a bit more.

“I’m not putting Darius down. He is great, but Billy is the best we’ve seen.

“I’m shocked. I would have definitely put Billy in there.”

The Daily Telegraph understands Walters chose not to consult Queensland captain and Slater’s club teammate Cameron Smith before making his decision.

It almost certainly will spell the end of Slater’s illustrious 27-match Origin career that kicked off way back in 2004.

Walters had to fight back tears at Monday’s announcement, claiming he was acting in Slater’s best interests.

The 33-year-old only recently returned after almost two years on the sidelines due to back-to-back shoulder surgeries.

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But there is no question in that short period Slater’s form has been phenomenal and most expected he would be an automatic selection.

“He was very close, mate,” Walters said.

“(But) I think it’s a bit unfair on Billy to put him under so much pressure in game one of the series.

“We’ve relieved him of those duties and I know Darius will get the job done for us.”

Queensland selector Gene Miles labelled it the “toughest decision we’ve had to make” in Myles’ 17 years in the job.

“He’s obviously not happy about the decision but he’s accepted it, he said ‘whatever’s best for Queensland’,” Miles said.

Asked if the Origin door was now closed on Slater, Miles added: “Not at all. I wish we could play two fullbacks.”

Concerns regarding Slater’s defence have kept him out of the team.

But that goes directly to the heart of the debate given Queensland could have picked both players but instead decided to ignore one of their greatest champions.

Coincidentally, Australian coach Mal Meninga stunned many last week when he selected his Maroons team on the Queenslanders Only show on Fox NRL and also picked Boyd ahead of Slater.

The Daily Telegraph was told Walters recently sought counsel from a Queenslander of “influence” and the concern surrounding Slater related to his defence.

Slater has long been regarded as the game’s best defensive fullback with teammates often highlighting the work he does “off the ball” as one of his greatest attributes.

Belcher warned the Maroons could live to regret overlooking Slater.

“NSW are going to be applauding this, it will help them,” Belcher said.

“They don’t want Billy sniffing around running off Cooper (Cronk) and Cam’s kicks.

“He is playing very good footy again. I think he’s back to the Billy of old.”