‘I see it as a gain’: Slater’s glass half-full after Smith Maroons exit

Billy Slater is philosophical about Cameron Smith’s decision to quit his Queensland Origin role for the chance to coach his son.

“I see this as a huge gain,” Slater said of farewelling good friend Smith from the Maroons set-up. “I’ve seen what Cam has been able to help this group build over the last two years. It’s been a huge advantage for the group, and I look at it like that.

“I understand his life outside of football, and what he wants to do. But for him to give himself to this group over the last two series, it’s certainly helped them become the best versions of themselves.”

Slater, who is chasing a third straight series win as coach and quickly promoted Matt Ballin to fill the vacancy in his staff, was unable to single out Smith’s best attribute.

“What was the best attribute of Cam Smith as a player? It’s the same question,” Slater said. “It’s hard to answer because he gives so much. Different people get different things from him.

“It might be just his presence in a room, or the way he says something. I’ve been fortunate to have a front-row seat the past two decades to see what Cameron Smith is about, and how he operates, and what he brings to the football environment. It woulds be disrespectful to point out one.

Cameron Smith and Billy Slater celebrating victory after winning game one of the 2022 State of Origin.Credit: Getty Images

“He’s coaching the juniors at the Currumbin Eagles now. Sometimes you don’t get an opportunity to coach your son, or your daughter, and you only get one chance at their childhood.

“That’s what he’s chosen to do this year, and I respect that. I might even get down to give him a hand here and there.”

Slater heads into this year’s series facing a new opponent, with Michael Maguire in charge of NSW after taking over from Brad Fittler.

Fittler could appreciate Smith wanting to spend more time with family, and knew more than most how mentally taxing an Origin campaign could be on coaches and their loved ones.

“He’s going back to coach his son, and doesn’t want to miss that opportunity,” Fittler said. “Origin can be demanding. He’s also commentating, so there’s a lot to do.

“I loved coaching the Blues, but I also love what I’m doing now. You realise how much headspace it takes up. Talking to friends and family, they notice the difference.”

Fittler will embark on his annual Hogs regional tour on Friday, which will be run in conjunction with the NRL – not NSW Rugby League – and means he will roll into Queensland for the first time.

Junior clinics will be run in towns like Gympie, Goondiwindi and Toowoomba.

Told he was already helping develop future Maroons, Fittler quipped: “I’m helping develop future rugby league players.

“It’s about giving back where we can, and getting players excited to join up to their local club.”

Queensland Origin pair Petero Civoniceva and Darren Lockyer are expected to spend time helping Fittler run some clinics.

The 40-year-old Ballin played his only Origin game for Queensland in 2010 as a replacement for the injured Smith, who had a mortgage on the Maroons’ hooker spot for much of Ballin’s career.

Ballin played 217 of his 220 NRL games for Manly, starting at hooker in the 2008 and 2011 premiership victories, and served on the club’s coaching staff for three years after his retirement.

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