The Queensland Maroons have lost Billy Slater from their State of Origin team for Game 1 of the series.
“I didn’t pull up as well as I would have liked after our training run on Sunday, and because I’m not 100 per cent, it’s in my best interests as well as the team’s to withdraw from Wednesday’s game,” Slater said.
Anthony Milford and Kalyn Ponga have been brought into the Queensland Maroons camp to cover for his absence.
“We knew we had some concerns with Billy, but he’s a champion player and we needed to give him every chance to play,” Queensland coach Kevin Walters said.
“We’ve had plans in place to cover Billy if he didn’t come up right, and we’ve actioned that today with Anthony and Kalyn coming in.”
It’s expected that Michael Morgan will play at full back, with one of Milford or Ponga to replace Morgan on the bench.
Slater announced last week that this Origin series will be his last.
“I just feel it’s time,” Slater said upon announcing his retirement.
“To be honest, I can’t give you a real answer on why exactly, but I’m 35 this year, this will be my 15th year for Queensland.
“I had a fair indication that the World Cup last year would be the last time I played for Australia, it’s been on my mind for a while, I always felt this would be my last Origin series.
“The guys that have gone last year (Thurston and Cronk) and Cam’s decision had no bearing for me.
“I just made the decision myself. The pressure is relieved letting everyone know and being honest.”
The series begins on Wednesday night at the MCG, with kick-off slated for 8pm AEST.
db
Guest
That QRL statement was the proof. Rothfield still trails a broken clock by a fair margin.
Fight Fair
Guest
Is that Kevin’s plan to get more speed in the backs?
Albatross
Guest
Sydnesians have a habit of paying over the odds!
tim
Guest
What's Karmichael Hunt doing on Wednesday?
tim
Guest
Can you please write some articles?
DP Schaefer
Guest
I wasn't suggesting Boyd should have been there, I just pointed out that there was an outcry about how unlucky he was to miss a wing spot, Slater himself mentioned Boyd as his likely replacement at fullback and yet when Slater breaks down Boyd isn't rushed into the squad. Boyd is finished for Queensland methinks.
Matt
Guest
They told us Milford was already there, training for Hunt. Sounds like Slater has been out for a good while then. My suspicion is, Hunt did not pass fitness either. Ponga now (1), Milford (7).
Griffo
Guest
Morgan played all of 2014 at fullback and he was actually pretty good. He's played a couple of games at fullback lately
KenoathCarnt
Guest
Lol Qld have given NSW every opportunity to win this series. If they dont they are beyond a joke.
Paul
Roar Guru
Okay so Billy's out and they bring two players in. I know he's been a pretty useful fullback but surely Qld can make up their minds who is going to replace him? Unless of course there's going to a wholesale re-arrangement of the backline and reserves - and maybe Hunt's gone as well?
John
Guest
Munster to 1 Hunt to 14 Morgan to 6 Taylor to 7
Bunney
Roar Rookie
Ha! Brilliant
Mango Hill Bunnie
Roar Rookie
GI to fullback, Morgan to Centre, Ponga to bench
Someone
Guest
He can still play if he's has a miraculous recovery, however given that they had given Hunt until Sunday to prove his fitness he will be out. Still don't understand why they wouldn't either recall Boyd or put Ponga in for a straight swap (would prefer Ponga due to his current form).
Nat
Roar Guru
Yep, that decision was made before the sentence was finished. ;)
Nick
Roar Guru
Fantastic.
Joe
Roar Rookie
I think they should go with Ponga. That fullback spot is going to be his anyway so might as well give it to him now. They might go Morgan fullback and Ponga off the bench so as to reduce the disruption but I'd rather they just throw Ponga straight in. Morgan's just recovered from a groin injury and I doubt he can do 80 mins of Origin intensity fullback play especially with the speed merchants on the other side.
Matt P
Roar Rookie
Well, after this it's gonna be happening for the next ten years, better get ready soon!
Griffo
Guest
I'm pretty sure McCullough, Granville and Friend all fall somewhere in between those two values
The Barry
Roar Guru
You’re in Queensland so I guess it will have to be the $1 variety...