How Billy Slater’s five-word Origin mantra summed up the biggest advantage the Maroons had over NSW in game two thrashing
Billy Slater’s Origin mantra is only five words in total, but it was enough to inspire his Queensland troops to win another series over NSW on Wednesday night.
The Maroons coach installed a core message ‘I can, because we are’ in both camps this year – and the players bought in from day one.
Slater incorporated the African term “Ubuntu,” which emphasizes the philosophy that the group is more important than the individual.
The likes of Valentine Holmes, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Reuben Cotter and Lindsay Collins were all for it – and once again the Maroons stood up when it mattered and owned the big moments in game two at Suncorp Stadium as they went to a 32- 6 win.
Veteran halfback Daly Cherry-Evans encapsulated Queensland’s famed spirit, with his cover tackle on a runaway Stephen Crichton late in the first half now part of Origin folklore.
Billy Slater’s Origin mantra is only five words in total, but it was enough to inspire his Queensland troops to another victory over NSW on Wednesday night
Maroons enforcer Tino Fa’asuamaleaui explained ahead of Origin II ‘Ubuntu’ means ‘to have your brothers back’
Daly Cherry-Evans’ cover tackle (pictured left) on a runaway Stephen Crichton late in the first half is now part of Origin folklore
And despite never coaching at NRL level, Slater has now won consecutive series at Origin level, with his impressive tactics.
Many pundits and fans doubted the decorated Melbourne Storm fullback who chose Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow in the centres, but he is arguably Queensland’s best player.
Eyebrows were also raised after Slater omitted Kalyn Ponga and opted for Reece Walsh instead.
The No. 1 Broncos have more than justified the bold roster, and ominously for Blues fans, a dynasty is now looming in the Sunshine State.
‘It’s a very special group, this group. They just get what it’s all about, they get who it is for,” a cheering Slater said after the game.
“It’s for them, it’s for their families, it’s for the people who wore the jersey before them.” But it is mainly for the people of Queensland and that is not lost on this group.
“That keeps their feet moving in those tough times.”
Queensland great Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin commented for Channel 9 that the Blues ‘played like under 10’s. They were terrible’
Channel 9 footy identity Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin will never be accused of being eloquent – but he summed up the mood of many full-time fed-up NSW fans.
The former Queensland coach commented that the Blues were ‘playing like under 10s’. They were terrible.’
It’s hard to argue otherwise.
Fellow Maroon greats Corey Parker and Cooper Cronk continue the stack.
“From a NSW point of view, at least in my opinion – they looked disjointed,” Parker said. “Their attack didn’t flow.”
Cronk felt the difference was Queensland’s goal-line defence.
“Queensland had minimal chances in the first half but scored two tries,” he said.
‘NSW had most of the ball, came back and three minutes into the break Valentine Holmes scored, 16-0 – probably won and lost there.’