Queensland -Coach Billy Slater reveals how his own family -tragedy prepared him to help Origin with the loss of his father

If there is someone who understands what Cameron Munster has experienced in the run -up to the decider of the state of origin, that is Queensland Coach Billy Slater.

Slater knew that there was nothing that he could say to make everything better when he was in his room in Queensland Camp with Munster on Sunday, the day that the new Maroons captain heard of the sudden death of his father Steven.

Munster then swore and there that, after he had spent some time with his family, he would lead Queensland in the origin of Wednesday’s origin – one of the largest matches of his career.

“He didn’t have many answers for many other things, but he gave me pretty straight,” said Slater.

“It’s a huge game and he wants to be part of it.”

To give him as much time as possible with his family, the Maroons Munster booked on a separate flight that would bring him Sydney On time for the Captain’s Run on Tuesday afternoon at ACCOR Stadium.

Marrons -Coach Billy Slater (depicted with wife Nicole) says his players are all behind Teamcaptain Cameron Munster

Munster (shown on the left in Origin Camp with Slater) Mourns for the death of his father Steven, who suddenly died at the weekend

“I can’t wait to give him a hug,” said Slater for the reunion of Munster with the team.

“Of course he has been pretty upset in recent days, but I think he was the last few days where he had to be, and that is with his mother and his sister.”

Slater understood the best he could do for Munster who was in his room on Sunday to be there as a partner and to give him all the time he needed with family.

The coach knew that because he lost his own father Ronnie earlier this year.

“There are no real words that solve all this,” said Slater.

‘Unfortunately there is no switch (to Flick).

“I didn’t treat this as a coach, but I tackled it as a person. I lost my father in January. I know what it’s like and Cam is an inspiration for many people.

“He is a hero for many people in Queensland. I can only imagine that his father would have been his first inspiration and his first hero. He would hurt now. ‘

Billy Slater can empathize with Cameron Munster, after he has lost his own father this year (depicted: Munster with his father Steven and mother Deborah)

Ron Slater (depicted in a family photo with his wife and children) died at the end of January at the age of 72 after a long struggle with emphysema

Munster (depicted with wife Bianca) has sworn Slater that, after having spent some time with his family, he will lead Queensland in the origin of Wednesday on Wednesday

That is why Slater knows that Wednesday evening is the time for the Maroons to appear for Munster, just when he appeared for his teammates who led them to victory against the opportunities in Origin II.

“She needs their skipper on Wednesday evening,” said Slater.

‘I am sure it will give them a huge boost, to see their partner continue with something that you only go through once in your life and loses your father. I am sure it will have a huge impact on them. ‘

Slater has already seen his senior players who led the group with Aplomb in the absence of Munster.

It was a blessing for the group to have Josh Papalii, the Canberra Prop called a representative pension to breathe new life into the forward package.

“It’s a feeling, with” daddy, “” Slater said about the impact of the veteran on the team.

‘The best way to describe it is that it is probably a calmness. Big Tino (Fa’asuamaleaui) has been like a small puppy dog, who follows him around all week. ‘