- Billy Slater reveals the conversation he had with Selwyn Cobbo
- The media had reported that the couple did not get along.
Maroons coach Billy Slater has revealed what was said in a phone call with superstar Selwyn Cobbo following reports the pair had clashed ahead of the series decider at Suncorp Stadium.
Channel Nine reported there was a rift between Slater and Cobbo during Queensland’s training sessions.
The 22-year-old was surprisingly selected on the bench for the series opener and played a vital role following Reece Walsh’s early head injury.
Despite his initial success, Cobbo was left out of the squad for the second game. The Queensland camp cited Cobbo’s mental exhaustion and his desire to return home as reasons for his omission.
Slater, who called the reports fake news, has now revealed that Cobbo called him after seeing the reports.
“Selwyn called me because his family were calling him about it,” Slater told Nine’s Sunday Footy Show.
‘I just said, ‘Dude, relax, we’re fine, we’re fine.’
“He’s having a great time, Selwyn. He’s a great young man.”
Billy Slater (pictured) revealed Selwyb Cobbo called him after reports emerged the pair had had a row.
Slater says he assured the young man that there was no problem between them.
Critics scrutinized Slater’s preparation ahead of Origin III, suggesting he was nervous.
Former Blue Jays standout Ben Elias said Slater’s actions indicated signs of weakness.
“There’s no getting around it, he’s doing things he normally wouldn’t do. He works very hard, he’s very complete and an exceptional coach. But I see from these anecdotes that he’s changed his way of preparing,” Elias said before the second match.
Slater’s decision to remove players from media interviews and shield some of the journalists was also questioned.
Gold Coast striker David Fifita’s exclusion from the series has added to the scrutiny.
Slater’s Channel Nine colleague Paul Gallen said he had never seen Slater so upset, referring to his comments about “Queenslander” after the Origin II defeat.