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Important SN update for SouthlandWhich Origin coach is under more pressure ahead of series decider?
Charles Goodsir • July 2nd, 2025 12:31 pm
The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio believes Billy Slater’s Queensland coaching future is on the line ahead of the Origin series decider on July 9 in Sydney.
Slater stormed onto the Origin scene after winning his first two series in 2022 and 2023. Since 2024, Slater has found himself and his character in the firing line since former NSW coach Michael Maguire’s infamous “glasshouses” sledge.
Slater has faced increased scrutiny in the 2025 series including his selections for Game I and his involvement in ‘grubgate’ with former Blues prop Aaron Woods.
Rugby league journalist Dean Ritchie opined on NRL 360 that Slater seemed unhappy in the role and could potentially walk away from the role of Maroons coach irrespective of the series outcome.
“This entire series, the story line has been around Billy Slater,” Riccio told SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“There have been some monumental calls from Slater that will go down in Origin folklore.
“There was none bigger than dropping the Queensland captain and long-serving captain in Daly Cherry-Evans after Game I.
“The press conference 24 hours before the game, the media call on the morning (of the game) in relation to comments he made and now the selections ahead of Game III.
“Gehamat Shibasaki is one of the great Origin bolters of all time. He’s coming from park footy last year to making his debut in a decider in Sydney.
“This could become one of the great stories or most tragic stories if (Shibasaki) is exposed by the best centre in the game in Stephen Crichton.
“No Queensland team has come back and won a series from one-nil down from two away venues.
“Billy is the story for sure and he is facing the most pressure.”
Whilst Slater is facing pressure over his selections and performances in the media, Riccio argues that Daley is facing pressure over the expectation that NSW win the series.
After claiming a dominant albeit unpolished victory in enemy territory in Game I, a horror first half in Game II brought Queensland back into the series.
“The Blues were always expected to win this series,” Riccio added.
“The expectation all along was that the Blues would wrap this series up.
“If they don’t get it done, the pressure cooker will be turned right up on whether the NSWRL made the right call (in hiring Daley).
“There is no greater spotlight in the game than Origin and if you lose a series, the dissection is more detailed (than at club level).”
Tune in from 7.30pm AEST time for live commentary from Accor Stadium in Sydney. Featuring Jimmy Smith
Tune in from 7pm AEST on SEN 1170AM to listen to Blues Radio hosted by Joel Caine
Tune in from 7pm AEST to listen to Maroons Radio on SENQ 693AM and SEN 1620AM Gold Coast hosted by Mark Braybrook
