Slater admits to nerves, hails his two trump cards
Joel Gould |
Queensland coach Billy Slater has not lost a State of Origin series as coach with Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Cameron Munster in the side.
That’s why the return of the Maroons’ two spiritual leaders from injury has lifted Slater in the lead-up to the Origin series opener, as he admits to “nerves” ahead of the Suncorp Stadium clash with NSW on Wednesday night.
The nerves are understandable. Slater won his opening two Origin series, but would be aware no Maroons coach has lost two series in a row and prevailed.
“Do I feel nervous? Yes. Do I feel any more nervous than last year? No,” he said.
“This means a lot. It means a lot to Queensland. It means a lot to me. That’s why I’m here.
“Whether it’s pressure, nerves, importance, I’m not sure. When you get that feeling, it just means something to you.
“I didn’t feel these nerves when I was playing at Leichhardt Oval in Round 17 on a Saturday night (for Melbourne), but I certainly felt them when I was putting the socks and boots on playing for Queensland, and I still feel them. I think it’s healthy.”
Make no mistake, prop Fa’asumaleaui’s return from an ACL injury that wiped him out of last year’s series is integral to the Maroons reversing last year’s 2-1 series loss.
Ditto Munster, ruled out of last year’s series loss with hip and groin injuries. Before that both had played in the 2022 and 2023 series wins under Slater.
Gold Coast captain Fa’asuamaleaui had played 12 Origin games in a row before his injury and won three series from four. His inspiration up front was missed last year, and Slater is delighted to have him back.
“Tino’s one of those guys that just has a bit of an aura about him,” Slater said.
“He’s another leader through the middle of the field. Everyone else walks that little bit taller when Tino’s in their footy team.
“He didn’t play last year, Tino, so he’s just happy to be back wearing these colours, and I know how passionate he is to play for this state and this footy team.”
Munster is the most influential player in the Maroons side. The 30-year-old Storm playmaker has won two man-of-the-match awards in Origin and a Wally Lewis Medal for player of the series in 2020.
“On and off the field, he’s a real infectious person,” Slater said of Munster.
“We know what type of player he is on the field and he has so much influence over how we play, but at the same time, off the field he’s just a great character.
“Everyone’s got a smile on their face when they’re around Cameron Munster, and whether he’s saying something good or saying something silly, it’s irrelevant really.
“He just brings the mood to that even playing field and he’s just got that ability. He’s another one that we need to get our game on.”
AAP
