‘Learned their lesson’: Billy Slater comment proves he’s an Origin genius

A comment made by Billy Slater should strike fear into NSW as the State of Origin mind games well and truly kick into full swing.

Billy Slater and Michael Maguire.

When Billy Slater fronted up on Monday to explain his Queensland squad selections, one comment he made should strike fear into every NSW fan.

The Maroons coach was in vintage form — explaining David Fifita’s omission, bristling at a reporter for describing debutant J’maine Hopgood as a “workrate player” and backing in Tom Dearden to fill Cameron Munster’s shoes.

Slater hasn’t been afraid to make big selection calls — choosing Reece Walsh over Kalyn Ponga last year, giving a 21-year-old Tom Dearden his debut in 2022 and dropping David Fifita and opting for a fairly no frills forward pack on the bench.

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His side is chasing a rare hat-trick of Origin series wins this year, and the Maroons are the clear betting favourites to win both Game 1 in Sydney and retain the shield.

But don’t tell Slater Queensland are favourites.

Asked if he was “comfortable” heading into his third year in charge, Slater said: “I just don’t like the word comfortable, that’s all. It’s not with the selection, it’s just I don’t feel comfortable right now.

“Comfort is not somewhere I would describe myself. That’s just probably me as a person.

“I’m really excited about getting to work. We’ve got 20 fit and healthy Queenslanders ready to get to work for the next 10 days to go and represent the people of our state.

“That’s where my excitement is. I could not care less (about being favourites). That is totally irrelevant to me.”

Billy Slater isn’t taking it easy heading into his third Origin series. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Slater told Nine’s 100% Footy on Monday: “Probably what I was alluding to in the press conference was I don’t feel any easier, I still feel nervous.

“This means a hell of a lot to people in the state of Queensland and I understand that.

“That’s not lost on the players either. That’s probably why there’s a fair bit of pressure around it. I’m just looking forward to getting into camp and working with the boys.”

It’s a scary proposition for NSW if Slater is still as hungry as ever for Origin glory.

As ever, both states will desperately try to claim underdog status. After all, there is less pressure if you’re not expected to win.

Who could forget Wayne Bennett guiding the so-called worst Queensland team ever to the series win in 2020.

The Blues will look to embrace the underdog tag. Picture: Mark Stewart

Fox League duo and former Blues Nathan Hindmarsh and Bryan Fletcher believe NSW coach Michael Maguire will embrace underdog status as he gathers his rag tag squad for Game 1 next Wednesday.

Asked if Queensland would claim underdog status this year, Fletcher told news.com.au: “Well they can’t, they’re not underdogs.

“We are genuine underdogs. New coach, six debutants.

“So we are overwhelming underdogs, which will play into our hands because I reckon Madge is a bit of a fighter like that, so I imagine our team is a reflection of his coaching philosophies.”

“I’m happy with the squad. I think it’s a nice fit and healthy squad apart from Nicho,” said Hindmarsh, who is tipping the Blues to win the series.

“It’s going to be difficult, Origin always is. But I can’t see why they can’t win the series.

“They’ll definitely win Game I because they would have learned their lesson from previous years when they downplayed the Queensland side and the Maroons got the jump on them.

“I think they’ll be ready to go Game I this year. They’ll have it wrapped in two days, don’t worry about that.”

Michael Maguire bleeds blue. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Asked how Queensland will fare without the injured Munster, Hindmarsh said: “Honestly we don’t care. We’ve got to stop what Queensland do and what Queensland are saying.

“Take a bit out of Kevvie Walters’ book, get the ‘Whisperer’ in. We’re not allowed to mention Queensland, Origin. We’ve just work on our game. That’s all NSW can do.

“With no Munster, no big deal. Who cares, honestly.”

Reece Walsh and Daly Cherry-Evans at Maroons training. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Hindmarsh and Fletcher are teaming up to represent NSW in their own showdown Fish of Origin (FOO) — Anaconda’s beloved three-part fishing series.

Fletcher is joining the Blues team and they take on Queenslanders Gorden Tallis and Justin Hodges in Cairns in an on-water battle to reel in the biggest fish and bigger bragging rights.

Just like the footy, Hindmarsh’s NSW team are coming off two straight losses and are determined to beat Tallis and Hodges.

“It’s high stakes, this one,” the Eels legend said.

“I recruit Bryan not so much for his knowledge of fishing … no I don’t even know why I recruited Bryan. I really don’t. It’s still a mystery why I’ve got him in the side.”

Fletcher said: “Basically I’m the Dylan Edwards of this team.

“If Gorden can catch fish, anyone can catch fish. That’s the hope I have.

“I want to beat Tallis and Hodges. All they keep talking about is ‘We won eight in a row’.”

The first episode of Fish of Origin will be released on Saturday June 1 ahead of the State of Origin opener next week.

You can watch Fish of Origin season 4 on Anaconda’s website, YouTube channel and also via NRL.com.