Queensland fullback Billy Slater says his interstate opposite Jarryd Hayne is in the sort of form that could finally inspire a NSW State of Origin series win.
Slater says Hayne was Australia’s leading playing in their World Cup win last year and has further matured on the field in Parramatta’s impressive start to the NRL season.
Hayne has been a key factor in the Eels’ resurgence under new coach Brad Arthur and was again in sublime form in Parramatta’s 36-0 thumping of St George Illawarra on Saturday.
After much debate over his best position for the Blues, the Eels skipper is set to be chosen at fullback when NSW coach Laurie Daley names his team on Tuesday for the Origin opener in Brisbane on May 28.
Slater said Hayne shapes as an Origin wildcard for the Blues.
“He is a great player, he is an outstanding player, and he is playing some really good football this year,” Slater said.
“He seems to have matured a lot with the captaincy.
“Last year with the World Cup he was probably the best Australian player on tour.
“There is a lot of debate as to where to play him … it doesn’t matter he is out on the field.
“So he will be dangerous if he is out on the field.”
However the Melbourne custodian warned Queensland’s desire to continue their Origin dominance hasn’t lessened any despite their eight-year reign.
“It is State Of Origin, we are playing for Queensland, it is not about taking the foot off the accelerator,” Slater said.
“It is about bettering ourselves and playing the best we possibly can for our state and the players that have played before us.
“That is good enough motivation for me, I don’t think you need any more.
“We have had a great run but there is no reason we should want to take the foot off the accelerator.”
NSW have been beset by injury and suspension, but Slater says that won’t be a factor.
“It doesn’t matter who they pick they have so many great players to chose from, the last few series have been really tight,” he said.
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Penrith’s crown has slipped just a fraction to a point where Cronulla are now the best-performing team in the NRL right now. It doesn’t…
Penrith will put their faith in rookie playmaker Jack Cole to replace Nathan Cleary after the star halfback was ruled out for eight weeks…
David Fifita turned jeers into cheers in his first match for the Titans since signing with the Roosters in the best way possible. The…
Poor Nat Butcher. The salt in the wound is Politis walking straight over to JWH afterwards to give him a handshake!
The Titans had no bench and had lost their momentum but still mustered the energy for this dramatic try-saving tackle. Sam Verrills slowed up…
Valentine Holmes tried to improve the position for his kick and was left red-faced. The Cowboys lost the game 20-18.
