Slater backs GI for Queensland Origin try record

Melbourne fullback Billy Slater says he’d back Greg Inglis to pass Dale Shearer’s State of Origin try-scoring record in Wednesday night’s first game against NSW at Etihad Stadium.

Inglis equalled Shearer’s mark of 12 tries with a double of his own in the final game of last year’s Origin and can take possession of the long-standing record if he gets across the line next Wednesday night.

Inglis has scored doubles in the first game of an Origin series three times, the first occasion on debut in 2006 and again in the opening game of the 2007 series and once more in 2009.

He’s only failed to score in one of his six series, in 2008.

“Greg gets across the line … I think he’s nearly a try-a-game man in his Origin career,” Slater said.

“It’s a great record.”

Slater said Inglis was playing some “exceptional” football since Souths coach Michael Maguire recently moved him to fullback.

“He used to do some freakish things when he was at the Melbourne Storm but he’s doing them more regularly now, getting his hands on the ball more at fullback,” he said.

“He’s in great form and he’s definitely a strike weapon for us on that left-hand side.”

Regarded as the world’s best fullback and arguably the world’s best player, Slater shouldn’t have anything to fear from Inglis taking his Queensland or Australian jumper.

“I wouldn’t argue with him if he did – he is a very big lad,” laughed Slater.

“He’s a very intimidating guy out on the field and I’m really glad he’s in our side.”

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