Queensland great Billy Slater has been appointed a Maroons State of Origin selector.
The Queensland Rugby League on Friday announced Slater’s appointment alongside Gene Miles, Darren Lockyer and coach Kevin Walters.
“It’s a great honour to be offered this position,” Slater said.
“I have always been willing to contribute to this team in any way possible.”
Slater is one of Queensland’s favourite rugby league sons, having played 31 Origin matches for the Maroons before retiring at the end of last season.
The champion fullback had already committed to assisting the Maroons throughout this year’s campaign as part of Walters’ new-look coaching and mentoring set up.
QRL Chairman Bruce Hatcher congratulated Slater on his new appointment.
“With a sharp mind and genuine understanding of Origin and the modern-day game, we believe Billy’s addition will only add more nous to a panel that has unrivalled experience across multiple eras,” Hatcher said.
Walters, who is shooting for a third series win in his fourth year in charge of the Maroons, shared similar sentiments.
“Billy is one of the most loyal and passionate Queenslanders I’ve come across and from all my dealings with him, you know that he is always willing to help out in any capacity he can,” Walters said.
“He knows the game inside out, which is going to be an asset for us when we look to settle on the right combinations.”
Paul
Roar Guru
Interesting Qld has two ex five eights, a ex fullback and an ex-centre as selectors. They need Gordie to give the panel some balance.
3 R M
Guest
I Agree with you TB . I think he dumbs it down as well, every now and then he'll do a indepth analysis and its pretty special Billy does his homework and really knows the players and game. He could be a great assistant coach also .
The Barry
Roar Guru
Good appointment (for Queensland). I’ve been very impressed with Slater as a commentator. He’s a very keen student of the game. Very observant of the subtleties of the game.
RoryStorm
Guest
I think this is a good appointment for the QRL. Only for the sole reason Kevvie won't have to have Miles & Lockyer push onto him Bronco players that he doesn't particularly want. After all, it has happened before. It was only very recently (?) Miles & Lockyer left Slater out of the team much to Kevvie's disapproval. Slater was duly brought into the team for the next game after losing & Kevvie couldn't help but have a sly dig at Miles & Lockyer at the press announcement for the next game by saying, "This is the team I wanted for the last game".