‘Totally fake news’: Billy Slater slams suggestions Selwyn Cobbo has fallen out with members of the Maroons coaching staff

A day out from the Origin decider, an irate Billy Slater has responded to rumours that Selwyn Cobbo and the Queensland coaching staff have fallen out.

Queensland coach Billy Slater has hit back at claims that Selwyn Cobbo has fallen out with members of the Maroons staff ahead of the Origin decider. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Queensland coach Billy Slater has slammed a report that strike weapon Selwyn Cobbo has fallen out with members of the Maroons coaching staff, slamming the story as “totally fake news”.

Slater was furious on Tuesday when he was told about the Channel 9 report that Cobbo hadn’t seen eye-to-eye with the Queensland coaching staff in a bombshell allegation just a day out from the State of Origin series decider.

Cobbo was a controversial selection on the bench in game 1 but was forced to come on early after Reece Walsh was knocked out and was brilliant as he torched the Blues down the left edge.

The Broncos star was then left out of the squad for the second game in Melbourne but has been named on the wing for the decider in Brisbane where Slater was forced to address the rumour.

Billy Slater has blasted reports that recalled winger Selwyn Cobbo has fallen out with members of the Maroons coaching staff. Picture: Matt Roberts/Getty Images

“Gone are the days that you have to report the truth. I don’t know where that’s come from, but it’s totally fake news,” he said.

“I actually haven’t seen Selwyn happier and I haven’t seen him more engaged with his football. He’s had a great week and he’s ready to play.

“I was actually having a conversation with some of the coaching staff yesterday about how well his week has gone. He’s ready to play, so I don’t know where that news has come from.

“(My relationship with Selwyn) couldn’t be stronger. I can’t be clearer.

“For me to talk about this is totally irrelevant 24 hours before a game. Selwyn and I are fine.

“That’s totally fake news. The accountability to report the truth is obviously not there. To throw that sort of stuff out, that’s the first I’ve heard of it.”

Slater described the rumours as fake news. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Slater didn’t go into why Cobbo was omitted from the game 2 squad but stressed the young gun knew it was the right call.

“He just wasn’t quite right to play game 2, and he’ll be the first to admit that,” he explained.

“He’s good to go now. He’s had a good week at training and he’s physically ready. He’s had a great preparation and he’s ready to play.”

The Maroons have a terrific record in deciders at Suncorp Stadium, but the alleged conflict in camp is far from ideal as they look to bounce back from their heavy defeat at the MCG.

Reigning Dally M Medal winner Kalyn Ponga has been named on the bench with no clear plan for when he’ll come on or what role he’ll have, but it’s up front where the Maroons have to be better after they were monstered by the NSW forwards.

“I think it’s a collective, it’s a 17-man game,” Slater said.

“Everyone has got to do their job, and we missed the mark in Melbourne. We understand that and we need to rise to the occasion.

“NSW were great and their standard of football was far superior to ours down in Melbourne. We’re going after our game and trying to be at our best tomorrow night.”