The State of Origin stat that is haunting Maroons coach Billy Slater

It’s been almost 30 years since Queensland lost four State of Origin games in a row, and that says it all about the pressure riding on shoulders of coach Billy Slater, writes ROBERT CRADDOCK.

It’s been 28 years since Queensland lost four State of Origin games in a row and that says it all about the pressure riding on shoulders of coach Billy Slater.

Lose in Perth and the four successive losses would be the worst result the Maroons have had since they lost five on the bounce back in 1997 in the Super League era when Queensland had a big-hearted but star-lacking team.

If Queensland lose next week Slater will mirror the performance of the man he followed into the coaching role, Kevin Walters, who won his first two series then lost the next two.

Four losses in a row would be very unusual for the Maroons. Normally the more you push them down the more certain you can be they will bounce back next game.

Billy Slater is under pressure. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Every selection call is crucial which is why the Slater’s likely decision to drop skipper Daly Cherry-Evans could be era-defining.

It would be a massive call for several reasons, the most conspicuous being that Cherry-Evans is a master at getting the only easy metres in State of Origin football … in the air.

His tactical kicking is on the same level as Blues aces Mitchell Moses and Nathan Cleary.

Take him out and the kicking duties are left to Tom Dearden and Cam Munster who have no pretensions to being as good as Cherry-Evans, an ageing master who learnt many of his tricks playing games in the backyard in Mackay.

As a player, champion fullback Slater loved direct play – we all remember his probing incisions. Dearden will bring some of that, He is more direct than Cherry-Evans and Munster who can float across field more.

But Cherry-Evans has an x-factor few captains have.

Daly Cherry-Evans’ kicking game will be missed if he’s not picked. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

DYNAMIC DOLPHINS

The Dolphins have never truly received the credit they deserved for their exceptional recruiting in their first three seasons.

But that moment is coming soon when the North Sydney Bears start recruiting and learn how difficult it is to lure quality players.

The Dolphins did brilliantly to lure the Bromwich brothers from the Storm to set cultural standards with players like Mark Nicholls then snare poster boys Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Isaiya Katoa at great value.

Katoa gets about one tenth as much publicity as the trumped up and still unproven Lachlan Galvin yet looks a better player.

THE CAPED CRUSADER

Kurt Capewell’s recall to State of Origin football was thoroughly deserved and highlights the loss he was to the Broncos when he left two winters ago to join the Warriors.

The Broncos have not been the same since while the Warriors have soared to great heights. Capewell is no superstar. But he is a standard setter and a winner.

Kurt Capewell has been recalled to the Maroons. Picture: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

COBBO OUT OF FAVOUR

Selwyn Cobbo’s love of the Broncos has left him vulnerable in his negotiations with the club for a new contract.

The Broncos know he has never wanted to play with another club and are in no rush to re-sign him. He was dropped for the match against the Titans and missed the morale-restoring win.

We hear whispers that other clubs are interested but he doesn’t want to move. Cash is running short at the Broncos with Adam Reynolds and Kotoni Staggs to sign new deals. Cobbo may have to take a pay cut to stay there – or leave.

Originally published as The State of Origin stat that is haunting Maroons coach Billy Slater