Billy Slaterrefused to elaborate on a muted response to potential changes for his Queensland side as they prepare for a decider at Suncorp Stadium.
The Maroons were shellshocked in the first half of game two, with the scoreline spiralling as NSW piled on 34 unanswered points.
“It felt like we were running uphill and couldn’t stop the momentum … I think I do know is there’s another game in three weeks time,” Slater said post-match.
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The Maroons coach made two changes to his side from game one with J’maine Hopgood ruled out through injury, replaced by Felise Kaufusi.
Selwyn Cobbo was also ruled out but there’s still ongoing speculation around whether he was injured or dropped. Kurt Capewell came into the side to replace him.
After the comprehensive defeat, Slater offered a coy response when asked if he’d make changes.
“I haven’t even thought of that. We’re still Queenslanders,” he replied.
Slater was asked to elaborate on the last part of his reply but didn’t offer much in response.
“We’re from Queensland,” he said.
“I said I haven’t thought of that and said we’re still Queenslanders, that’s it.”
Asked what that meant and whether it referred to not making changes, Slater stayed cagey.
“I don’t know, I haven’t thought about it. I honestly haven’t thought about it,” he said.
Slater could be forced into one change with the coach revealing Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow suffered an AC joint injury. The centre went off in the first half after a hit from Stephen Crichton. He managed to return in the second half with the aid of painkillers and scored a try.
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Dane Gagai was selected as 18th man for the Maroons and could be an option for Slater in game three. Cobbo, who was picked to play for the Broncos in their round 17 match, should also be available.
One other consideration for Queensland will be David Fifita.
The Titans second-rower has been in red hot form for the club and ran for the most metres out of the forwards against the Warriors.
Fifita wasn’t included in the reserves for game two with Cowboys prodigy Heilum Luki and Storm toiler Trent Loiero the back up forwards.
As well as copping questions about changes, Slater was also asked whether he had any problem with Maroons players being taken out off the ball during the humbling game two loss.
Liam Martin was placed on report in the second half for a late hit on Daly Cherry-Evans while a number of other complaints came up on the referee’s mic.
Slater acted coy on any complaints but did suggest it’ll be a focus of his when conducting a review
“I think Chez (Cherry-Evans) got hit off the ball once there that I can remember,” he said.
“The game was moving so fast, we’re a fair way away up there as well … we’ll find a whole heap of stuff in our review. I’ll go over a lot of angles and that sort of stuff, I’ll do my job. I’ll make a comment on that later maybe.”