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4 months ago
22
The blowtorch is on Queensland State of Origin coach Billy Slater amid a report that he clashed with recalled back Selwyn Cobbo ahead of the series decider at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday.
Channel Nine has reported there has been a rift between Slater and Cobbo during Queensland training sessions, prompting the Maroons coach to hit back furiously.
Queensland, led by Slater, has won the last two State of Origin series. However, a heavy defeat in game two at the MCG has set the stage for a crucial decider.
Nine's Danny Weidler reported that members of the Maroons coaching staff are not on good terms with Cobbo.
The 22-year-old was surprisingly selected on the bench for the series opener and played a vital role after Reece Walsh's early head injury.
Despite his initial success, Cobbo was left out of the team for Game 2. The Queensland camp cited Cobbo's mental burnout and desire to return home as reasons for his omission.
Now back in the team for the decider due to injuries in the backline, Cobbo's relationship with the coaching staff remains strained.
'Word out of the Queensland camp is Selwyn Cobbo is still not seeing eye to eye with the Queensland coaching staff. That will be denied by Billy Slater... but the mail is good,' Weidler told 9News.
Weidler reported that Slater and Cobbo had clashed over their different views on training.
Slater, pictured left with former assistant coach Cameron Smith, is feeling the pressure ahead of State of Origin III in Brisbane
It has been reported that Slater has clashed with star player Selwyn Cobbo over his style of training with the Maroons
Cobbo is known to 'run to his own beat,' while Slater demands more discipline and a mentality of 'extras beyond extras.'
'Maybe it's a natural clash and maybe it's something that can be sorted out. He (Cobbo) wasn't there in Game 2, but do we know why? We've heard explanations, but do we really know why?' Weidler speculated.
Slater had previously mentioned that Cobbo was dealing with niggling injuries and wasn't in the right frame of mind to play but emphatically ruled out any rift on Tuesday.
'Gone are the days that you have to report the truth. I don't know where that's come from, but it's totally fake news,' he said.
'I actually haven't seen Selwyn happier and I haven't seen him more engaged with his football. He's had a great week and he's ready to play.
'I was actually having a conversation with some of the coaching staff yesterday about how well his week has gone. He's ready to play, so I don't know where that news has come from.
'(My relationship with Selwyn) couldn't be stronger. I can't be clearer.
'For me to talk about this is totally irrelevant 24 hours before a game. Selwyn and I are fine.
'That's totally fake news. The accountability to report the truth is obviously not there. To throw that sort of stuff out, that's the first I've heard of it.'
Queensland selector Darren Lockyer supported Cobbo's decision, saying, 'I congratulate Selwyn for being open and honest about it.'
'He is carrying a few niggles at the moment and I think it's affecting him mentally.'
'He was pretty open and honest with Billy about whether he was capable of performing in that arena and there is nowhere to hide in Origin.'
Critics have scrutinised Slater's preparation ahead of Origin III, suggesting he is rattled.
High-profile former Blue Ben Elias claimed that Slater's actions indicated signs of weakness.
'There's no two ways about it, he is doing things he has not normally done. He works very hard and is very comprehensive and an exceptional coach. But I see in these anecdotes he has changed his way of preparation,' Elias said.
Slater has led Queensland to straight Origin series victories but has a big job to against NSW
Former New South Wales star Benny Elia said that the pressure was getting to Slater
Former Maroons great Corey Parker has defended Slater and backed him to be ready for the decider at Suncorp Stadium
Slater's decision to pull players from media interviews and shield some from reporters has also been questioned.
The exclusion of Gold Coast forward David Fifita from the series has added to the scrutiny.
Paul Gallen, Slater's Channel Nine colleague, stated he had never seen Slater so rattled, referencing his 'Queenslander' comments after the loss in Origin II.
Maroons legend Corey Parker defended Slater, saying, 'He's no different to myself, he's no different to Cameron Smith, he's no different to any Queenslander after a loss. It hurts and it's personal.'
'The difference with him being a player and now a coach is the buck stops with him.
'Billy will be sifting through the entire 10-day preparations. He's methodical on his preparations in 'how could we have done better? Was there any signs? Did we do something we probably didn't do Game One?'
'He would be doing self-reflection right across the park.'
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