Wednesday’s match at Accor Stadium is likely to be a sellout with a crowd of 80,000 on hand for the first Origin match in New South Wales since 2020.
It’s also the first match as coach for Queensland great Billy Slater. After 31 games for the Maroons during their golden era, the 38-year-old is charged with regaining the Origin trophy, which NSW holds after a 2-1 series victory in 2021.
Speaking to Today, Slater said he’s enjoyed the switch to coaching.
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“It’s vastly different, as a player you’re solely focused on your performance in that 80 minutes,” he said.
“As a coach you need to look at everything, you’re controlling the environment, you’re trying to build the game plan, you’re working with individuals on their game.
“There’s a lot that goes into it, but a lot of the work’s been done for me, it’s up to the players to perform in that 80 minutes tonight.”
The Maroons will be seeking a 23rd series title this year, while the Blues have lifted the trophy on 16 occasions.
“The rivalry is real, this is the 42nd year of State of Origin, that rivalry … people grow up with it,” Slater said.
“I don’t think you need to build it, it’s already there. If anything you need to relax the players and make sure they focus on the game of footy, which is really important.
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“At the end of the day the result will be given to the team that plays the best in the footy game, so it’s important to focus on that.
“That rivalry is always there, it’s bred into you.”
Queensland will field four debutants, including 19-year-old Jeremiah Nanai who has just 16 NRL matches to his name, while Selwyn Cobbo turned 20 only three days ago and has played only 19 NRL matches.
Despite their tender years, Slater is confident the pair are ready.
“There’s not much protecting, they’ve got 12 other players on the field but at the end of the day they’re here because of their actions,” he explained.
“Selwyn and Jeremiah are quite young, their actions are telling me they’re ready for this. (From) what I’ve seen this week, the preparation has been great, the connection within the group is really good.
Slater noted that Origin might be famous for the headline moments, but that’s not where the game is decided.
“I think it gets won through the little moments, we all see the big moment in State of Origin, the Darren Lockyer try (in 2006), the Mark Coyne try in 1994, and they’re great highlights,” he said.
“But it’s the little moments that count in State of Origin. If we accumulate them, that will put us in good stead.”
“I’m feeling nervous, but that means it means something to you. I can’t wait for tonight.”
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