‘They are calculated decisions’: Billy Slater defends controversial call to pick Selwyn Cobbo on bench

Queenslanders rarely blow up over selection calls, but Maroons coach Billy Slater has had to defend one big decision.

Queensland coach Billy Slater has hit back at critics who have questioned his decision to select Selwyn Cobbo on the bench.

Queensland coach Billy Slater has staunchly defended the decision to select Selwyn Cobbo on the bench for the State of Origin series opener, but it remains unclear just how the Maroons will use the Broncos centre on Wednesday night.

Cobbo joins hooker Harry Grant on an undersized Queensland bench, with the Broncos young gun able to replace anyone in the back five should there be an injury as there has been in four of the past six Origins.

But if there are no injuries in game one, Slater will have to find another way to use the hulking speedster whose selection has been questioned by former Maroons coach Paul Vautin.

Billy Slater is confident he’s made the right call to pick Selwyn Cobbo on the bench. Picture: Adam Head

“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.”

Cobbo’s inclusion may have raised some eyebrows, but it could be a major advantage for Queensland given the Blues don’t have outside back coverage on the bench, which has hurt them in the past.

It remains a mystery how Cobbo will be used if there are no injuries to the outside backs. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

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

“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.”

The Maroons are looking to make it three series wins in a row under Slater, with the visitors the warm favourites against a NSW side missing Nathan Cleary, Tom Trbojevic and others to injury.

Queensland have their own concerns, with Cameron Munster and several key forwards missing, which is one of the reasons Slater is adamant his troops won’t be taking game one lightly.

“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,” he said.

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