Billy Slater defends his controversial Origin selections: QLD Maroons Presser | NRL on Nine

Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater has addressed the media after announcing his 20-man squad for the 2024 State of Origin series. The Maroons will take on the New South Wales Blues in Game 1 at Accor Stadium, Sydney. Subscribe 👉 bit.ly/2lvAJT2 NRL News👉 bit.ly/2mPWIV9
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[@flyingfish6903]

Billy Slater has won 11/15 origin series as a player and 2/2 as coach. Please assume he knows what he's doing. 😂

[@baccycones7644]

You’re allowed to have your own opinion about it. I don’t love his choices.

[@henaresadlier]

​@baccycones7644 will you love it if they win?

[@baccycones7644]

@@henaresadlier nah I wouldn’t like the way the teams put together, even if they win which I hope they do

[@jackjfjfjf]

Legit. I'm a NSW supporter and I can admit this man is a massive problem for us. I'm also a Parra supporter and although they screwed us in 2009 Ive been praying every night he takes the coach job.

[@multioptioned]

Queensland have Billy Slater but NSW has an ex weststigers wooden spoon coach! 😂 Queensland start favourites for the first time...💰

[@________o6474]

In Billy we trust.

[@gavinringland1362]

Panthers. Boys

[@lkuc06]

As a Blues fan its hard to hate Billy even after all the heartbreak him and QLD have caused hes still a stand up bloke, on ya Billy.

[@jackjfjfjf]

Legit he's so talented. I'm a Parra supporter and I've been praying every night he takes over as head coach even tho they screwed us in 2009!

[@jakey3004]

He’s trash lol

[@lensmith-gd2wi]

Tell that to seanp7871 who thinks he’s the biggest grub to ever lace on a boot. Clearly he hasn’t been paying attention

[@Harry.Lee.]

To hear that from a Blues fan says a lot about the respect you bring to the table. I admire that. Let's look forward to a great clash.

[@clutch7548]

@@jakey3004says nobody jakey

[@TheBlueShirtGuy-uf3ov]

Billy did the right call with Deardan. That guy is a beast!

[@johnminei3647]

Give him 2 or 3 more origin appearance and he will be in the space of Queensland greats! Mark my word...Tom Deaden always reminds me of Darren Lockyer.

[@peaceforthenation]

Absolutely! He will be the best

[@gordonalexander4407]

Love Billy. When you listen to him talking about respect for the Blues, you understand the essence of what made him such a great player.

[@roscojessop6521]

We are up against a NSW side that, in my opinion, is going to be a massive test. Picked on form and highly motivated... i can't believe the bookies have got them underdogs. This series will have it all.... if the officials don't spoil it.

[@multioptioned]

State of Origin is all about Queensland. But it wouldn't be rugby league without the officials influencing the result 😂

[@elainefaamoe6723]

Well said gonna be a banger

[@4FREE267]

Interviewing with a cracked screen what a legend😊

[@jaredmuller171]

Not sure why any of these selections are a surprise. Sua is an enforcer, the blues players will want to avoid getting hit by him. Fifita won't strike the same kind of fear in an opposition. Also cobbo on the bench is an outstanding selection, he can cover all positions as well as play in the middle.

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

Fifita is the most damaging ball runner in the game, yet he picks Piakura 😂

[@Mac-jx8uj]

​@@crazyprayingmantis5596he is the most damaging ball runner ,FOR ABOUT 15 mins per game lol

[@NoEvidenceForGod]

Fifita was never going to be picked because of his last minute Roosters contract backflip. Saw the same thing happen when DCE backflipped on the Titans move and he missed origin 3 years in a row. Just isn't a good mindset to have and Slater doesn't want to reward it. Has nothing to do with form or habits, he has been on fire this season. Good on Slater for axing him.

[@PhilipRambic]

Billy is confident enough for his lineup,,❤

[@JohnSmyth-l6i]

talk about click bait; Headlne "Billy fires back at reporter ", Billy actually spoke as the total professional. He makes the rest of the 9 network football "experts"(the Sydney mob) sound like rank amateurs. Peter Saltis (the Brisbane caller) is streets ahead of his SYDNEY counterpart.

[@NaomiJeffery]

I trust Billy coz he is are player and he knew what he is doing.. Go Maroons ❤❤😊

[@jacobthorpe4316]

The text on the thumbnail said "Billy fires back at reporters"... When does that happen in this video? They ask the question, he answers, they move on...

[@bomaibonamedura88]

Origin is top level football. Competition for spots is tough. Selection is also tough. The game itself is tough & the players are always under pressure to perform. Bill knows what he is doing. It's tricky at this level because NSW will come with it's best also. End of day, only 1 winner. But we have to trust, the selectors pick the best & they do. Billy has done a good job so far & he will win this one. Qld supporters - be of good cheer!

[@nahbrahh]

Im happy with both teams, should be a great game

[@ChristopherNorman-ft9tv]

Both teams picked will make this Origin Series unique Cheers Madge/Billy

[@Mataios_World]

I wouldve been pretty dissapointed if Cobbo missed out but he could be our Bench Weapon for a long time, this could be a masterstroke for Coach Billy & Queensland ✊

[@BigOmes1]

Cobbo's good enough to start, at any position from 1- 5.

[@deezz6935]

@@BigOmes1have yous watched cobbo this year ? Very inconsistent just like staggs

[@BigOmes1]

@@deezz6935 Cobbo has been sensational mate

[@deezz6935]

@@BigOmes1 ok mate 😂😂😂 why arnt we 2nd or 1st on the ladder ?

[@deezz6935]

@@BigOmes1 sensation attack when he feels like it you also know you have to defend right ?? You have to DEFEND mate

[@faatagilautolo7552]

GOOD LUCK BILLY SLATER 👍 💙 BEST FROM MELBOURNE STORM STAR 🌟 🤩 GOOD LUCK MAROON 👍 LOVE FROM SAMOA 🇼🇸 🙏🏼 GOOD LUCK MELBOURNE STORM 2024 🏆💜💜

[@Danielm219]

This is why Billy is just a better coach. And that Queensland will go on to win the series again he's not afraid to make tough calls and good players on a poor performing side unlike the New South Wales team who are just picking All Penrith players basically

[@AnthonyCrosbie-nd1sj]

Good Job Billy, awesome team again. With how much money is thrown around and generated by this great game, is it too much to ask for a microphone to be pasted around in situations like this so we can hear the questions that are being answered. Go the mighty Maroons!!!!

[@gavinringland1362]

Panthers. Sports

[@DB-Au]

love ya Billy, Go the Maroons!!!

[@lukedacosta1401]

Should b a great series. Both teams look solid with an added factor of some new faces & club combos. Respect to both Billy & Maguire. Should b some top shelf footy with spadefuls of passion for both jerseys. Bluebloods for life, let's get it!

[@Bragiiezcar77]

Go MIGHTY QUEENSLANDERS. We PLAY OUR FOOTY. A fullback position is the only position that a great player sees the whole match everytime he plays. Talk about Slater, Billy the Kid The Finest and yet The GREATEST FULLBACK ever. You all feel me right !

[@gavinringland1362]

Panthers. Boys

[@normanmoffatt9707]

Queensland coach says he's doesn't like using the word "comfortable", NSW coach says he's comfortable!

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

Lucky coaches don't play

[@lomiaseliga3405]

Whatever Billy does, we trust him coz he knew it all just wait and see the Maroons goes to work

[@bayblood]

he’s the man g

[@multioptioned]

Next Wednesday evening, one coach will look like a genius and the other like a court jester! 😂🤡 Let's just hope the result is not decided by a mistake by the officials (which happens far too often).

[@donaldmamoose]

Let’s go Queensland 💪🏾🤫🫴🏽

[@gavinringland1362]

Panthers game

[@bossmanboom212]

One of the most outstanding tenacious Australians athletes of all time, works in the thoroughbred industry, and i just realised not a bad drop..I'm starting to turn 😂

[@danielmoses9146]

Can someone please buy that journo a new mobile phone case!

[@bossmanboom212]

Cost of living 😂

[@ajtuiafiso]

Slater has been big on habits - he’s obviously seen Fifita has a lot of habits he needs to improve 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

Fifita has a habit of running over the top of people, Billy musnt like that

[@NoEvidenceForGod]

Fifita was never going to be picked because of his last minute Roosters contract backflip. Saw the same thing happen when DCE backflipped on the Titans move and he missed origin 3 years in a row. Just isn't a good mindset to have and Slater doesn't want to reward it. Has nothing to do with form or habits, he has been on fire this season. Good on Slater for axing him.

[@ploughboy6356]

I'ma blue, good interview Bill !

[@bingchiuyuen6816]

“Which way you goin’ Billy?”.

[@100konglish]

Whats the obsession with fifita? Yes he would be handy but weve got 80min backrowers and Cobbo covers all back positions…. Its a good hedge bet. Its not the typical choice but its a good safe option. Weve seen what happens in games when weve had to put backrowers at centre… no bueno QLD by 8 for game 1

[@garrytito2068]

Hardly ever feel this. As Queensland always over perform. This year Queensland look to strong. Great squad. We got this.

[@jasonmcmillan9554]

Its going to be a GREAT series. Go Queensland

[@kinchegayowie6167]

Hoppy has been great for the EELS, good luck to the young man

[@cbabrudda]

Love to see Dearden in there

[@adamsyandawai865]

In Billy we trust 🔥

[@GimapauKeimelo]

Queenslander always will be...go get them

[@BASKET449]

Billys a master mind and the final result confirmed it. Thank god hes a QLDer 👍

[@NathanMasso-u7m]

It's the Jersey Mate . You put on a bloke name Nevill he will win it for.1995 Origin Queensland

[@BlaqueMacleod]

Good on ya Billy

[@thomasbona4640]

Go the Mighty Maroons 💪

[@elainefaamoe6723]

Slater for prime minister

[@utahmoemalo]

QUEENSLANDER!!!

[@gavinringland1362]

Panthers

[@SnapScrapp]

Post Origin match one: QlD 30 - NSW 10

[@janicewilson-tx4ck]

Panthers NSW Blues up the Mighty Maroons Queenslander ❤🎉🎉🎉

[@StephanieDarius-ch6yq]

Go maroons

[@shawnsuave5694]

Go Kelly Slater!

[@RushFitNZ]

OMG Some of these questions must have been written by a 5-year-old 🤦🏾

[@AbdulKhan-cy3vq]

Billy looks worried. Great player great couch.

[@catherinefarr3140]

I love Bill but please, could someone teach him to engage the reporters without the "arm"

[@gavinringland1362]

Billy. Slater’s. Go. With. Panthers. Times

[@big-jay2749]

I think Queensland doesn't have to worry bout who they have on paper proved couple times😢😢😢BLUESOUTHALDAY

[@lotjames3765]

is this at a bus stop, a fire station, or a construction site?

[@pittchaser]

Good to see Fifita not there.. as a blues supporter 😂

[@theodorebandamartin]

talking about habits..Holmes should never have been picked..Gagai over Holmes any day

[@MitchA-ht2gb]

NSW will lose they didn't pick Cook at centre he's been one of the great NSW centres in recent times

[@DavidMitchison-hp2jq]

Fifita clearly on the outs, Fifita has performed better then both Su’A and Nanai and a better overall player then both.

[@marcusbou-samra5929]

What with fire alarm ringing constantly.

[@lotjames3765]

queensland better everywhere

[@martontapas1283]

KAUFUSI HAS OLD LEGS...YOU COULD HAVE PUT IN DAVID FIFITA INSTEAD OF KAUFUSI JUST FOR THE 1ST GAME

[@bentaylor1894]

Tell that cracked screen journalist to get a pay rise to,fix it up

[@CavemanNZ]

Whos the classy reporter with the broken phone?

[@igrand6473]

Fifita hard done by…titans been competitive since his return

[@bpyew]

Sua has been as good, but actually knows how to tackle too..

[@igrand6473]

@@bpyew bench spot?? he could be dangerous coming off the bench if the game close.

[@bpyew]

@igrand6473 absolutely, but our bench is ideal, someone had to miss out.

[@riflebeard]

These journalists ask some stupid questions

[@jinjaman101]

when your name on the door!!

[@DavidMitchison-hp2jq]

Not got to that standard? Su’A has played horrible all year.

[@gavinringland1362]

Panthers

[@1362pc]

what controversial selections???

[@julzylil]

UP THE BLUES!! qld gonna get flogged 😂😂

[@seanparker571]

Hate him and the team. But he just keeps winning. Infuriating

[@keepingitreal601]

Has he watched any Cowboys games this year?. Picking so many is a bad mistake.

[@beaves9659]

Holmes is the only one of the NQ boys that didn't deserve being picked.

[@noffmannoff9367]

He messed that one up Slater, Fafita should be in the team and Cobbo on the wing not Coates.

[@melissamisztal1963]

No trust him he knows what he’s doing

[@Croney95]

Have you seen the tries Xavier has been scoring this year idk

[@crycrcfyhf8862]

Cobbo can play wing, centre and fullback on both sides. He’s the perfect back to have on the bench.

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

Blues 3 - 0 whitewash, too easy

[@davidharris1249]

You blues never learn you are full of yourselves

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

@@davidharris1249 I got one. 😆

[@SuperSpinky22]

The cracks are starting to show

[@seanp7871]

Slater, biggest grub to ever lace the boots on

[@R-uh8sk]

That's a compliment! That is a losers comment. I put my house on your not a Storm or Queensland fan?

[@lensmith-gd2wi]

I’ll second that

[@alexmacaulay965]

Losers hate winners bud

[@burningdownthehouse365]

Cry more you 🤡

[@burningdownthehouse365]

​@@lensmith-gd2wi ahh burner account detected

[@abdul_grizzley]

Big mistake billy. Madge is real coach you will get exposed

[@wrinklysoldier5244]

I swear they put out a call every time they are going to do one of these press conferences, seeking the noisiest place possible. It's fucking ridiculous and amateurish.

[@tomtom2746]

Let’s Go QUEENSLAND🎉

[@Butarangau]

Just here to hear these stupid journalists questions

[@lomiaseliga3405]

Whatever Billy does, we trust him coz he knew it all just wait and see the Maroons goes to work