Billy Slater hits back after report exposes bombshell behind Origin exile

Claims of a rift between Billy Slater and an exiled star have come to light with details emerging about the mysterious axing.

Selwyn Cobbo and Billy Slater.

The mystery behind Selwyn Cobbo’s State of Origin exile appears to have been solved with bombshell claims of a disagreement.

The Broncos flyer was dumped by Maroons coach Billy Slater for Game 2 of the State of Origin series but has been recalled for the series decider at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night.

Cobbo has been named on the wing, largely out of necessity following injuries to Xavier Coates and Murray Taulagi.

Cobbo’s axing has left fans scratching their heads in recent weeks with Slater and Cobbo yet to go into detail about his omission.

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Channel 9’s Danny Weidler has now shared a rumour a rift has opened up between the pair.

Weidler reported on Tuesday he had been given information that suggested Cobbo and Slater’s coaching team had not been “seeing eye to eye”.

The leading journalist said it is likely the pair have naturally clashed over their views of training standards with Slater famously demanding everything from his players in their preparations for games.

“Maybe it’s a natural clash and maybe it’s something that can be sorted out,” Weidler said on The Big Sports Breakfast on Tuesday morning.

“He (Cobbo) wasn’t there in Game Two, do we know why?,” Weidler said. “We’ve heard explanations, but do we really know why?”

Coach Billy Slater with Selwyn Cobbo at QLD State of Origin team training, Sanctuary Cove. Picture: Liam Kidston

Slater fronted the media on Tuesday and described claims of a rift with Cobbo as “fake news”.

“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 has repeatedly deflected questions about the issue during this year’s campaign.

Cobbo’s selection was seen as a masterstroke after questions over why Slater would carry an extra back on his bench in the lead up to Origin Game 1.

Queensland legend Darren Lockyer opened up on Cobbo’s omission last month.

Lockyer told The Courier Mail that it was Cobbo who had all but ruled himself out.

Cobbo has privately been battling an injury and playing with painkilling injections.

“The decision in the end was pretty easy for Bill,” Lockyer said.

“I congratulate Selwyn for being open and honest about it.

“He is carrying a few niggles at the moment and it’s affecting him mentally.

“He was pretty open and honest with Bill about whether he was capable of performing in that arena. There is nowhere to hide in Origin.

Selwyn Cobbo and Billy Slater.

“I think he is young, and I think his time (in the Origin arena), it’s not like it’s over.

“He will be back in the Maroons jersey at some point, but now is not the right time to push him physically and mentally given that we are one-up in the series. That’s a luxury Bill has got.

“It’s a big decision (to omit Cobbo for Origin II) but at the same time it’s the right one.”

Similarly, Wally Lewis said the decision was the “best thing” for both the team and the player.

“Players sometimes tell a fib to their teammates as well as the doctor to get themselves through a game like that,” Lewis said on Channel 9’s Origin podcast.

“You have to question if they will be considered for the next match should they not be at their best.

“It’s a pretty tough call, but honesty is the best policy for an Origin match.

“If you pull out, you are doing the best thing for yourself, your teammates and your state.”

Originally published as Billy Slater hits back after report exposes bombshell behind Origin exile