Queensland coach Billy Slater reveals what he said to Selwyn Cobbo in a private phone call on the eve of the biggest State of Origin match in years
- Billy Slater reveals the conversation he had with Selwyn Cobbo
- The media reported that the couple were not on good terms
Maroons coach Billy Slater has revealed what was said over the phone to superstar Selwyn Cobbo after rumours the pair had clashed ahead of the series-deciding match at Suncorp Stadium.
Channel Nine reported that a rift had developed between Slater and Cobbo during training sessions in Queensland.
The 22-year-old was surprisingly named on the bench for the season opener and played a key role after Reece Walsh suffered a head injury early in the game.
Despite his initial success, Cobbo was left out of the team for Game 2. The Queensland camp cited Cobbo’s mental exhaustion and a desire to return home as reasons for his omission.
Slater, who has branded the messages as fake news, has now revealed that Cobbo called him after seeing the messages.
“Selwyn called me because his family called him about it,” Slater told Nine’s Sunday Footy Show.
“I just told him, ‘Buddy, just relax, it’s going to be okay, it’s going to be okay.’
“He’s in a great place, Selwyn. He’s a great young man.”
Billy Slater (pictured) revealed that Selwyb Cobbo called him after rumours emerged that the pair had had a row
Slater says he assured the young man there were no problems between them
Critics looked critically at Slater’s preparations for Origin III, indicating that he was upset.
Noted former Blue Ben Elias claimed that Slater’s actions indicated signs of weakness.
“There’s no doubt about it, he does things he doesn’t normally do. He works very hard and is very comprehensive and an exceptional coach. But I see in these anecdotes that he has changed the way he prepares,” Elias said before Game II.
Slater’s decision to ban players from media interviews and shield some from reporters was also questioned.
The exclusion of Gold Coast striker David Fifita from the series has further increased the attention.
Paul Gallen, Slater’s colleague at Channel Nine, said he had never seen Slater so upset, referring to his comments about ‘Queenslander’ after the Origin II loss.
