[ad_1]
Queensland coach Billy Slater added to the mystery of how he would do it use super-sub Selwyn Cobbo in the State of Origin series opener.
The 21-year-old Brisbane powerhouse can play wing, full-back and center and has told Slater he is ready to be a center forward if required against NSW in Sydney on Wednesday night.
The Maroons don’t traditionally carry an outside back on the bench, but in four of their last six Origin games they’ve had to replace at least one during the match.
Get the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today 
Slater has a plan to inject Kobo, but he’s not about to reveal it.
“It’s a game of footwork. There are risks everywhere, but they’re calculated decisions,” Slater said when asked if Cobo’s choice was a risk.
“We think this is what’s best for our football team.”
“It doesn’t have to be an injury for Selwyn to be on the pitch. He will be there. I look forward to him starting his game.
“We have a plan to inject Selwyn into the game. We are beyond that. I’m not going to stand here and tell you exactly how.
“I’d like to tell all our Queenslanders how we’re going to play, but that’s what makes it exciting.”
Slater said Kobo could “play anywhere.”
“He’s a big body and a wonderful player so he can pop up anywhere,” Slater said.
Maroons captain Daley Cherry-Evans was an Origin super-sub in his formative years and reckoned Cobbo would do a great job when called upon.
“With the role of supersub, there are two things that are really important,” he said.
“You put the team first and bring your strengths to the team. If Selwyn does, he’ll be fine.
“Selwyn is a talent. He’s just a crack player. Every time he has played for Queensland he has done a fantastic job.
“I’m really confident in him. It has good energy in it. We love playing with Selwyn Cobbo.”
Slater has built a strong relationship with fullback Reece Walsh and is excited about what the Brisbane No.1 can bring to the table in his first Origin game in Sydney.
“I just have to help Reece be himself and be as good as he can be,” Slater said.
“Reece has a great desire to be the best he can be and sometimes that gets lost,” Slater said.
“He’s got a great work ethic, he’s really respectful, he loves his game and he loves this color (Maroons) and his state.
“I’m like five and a half million Queenslanders. Looking forward to watching Reece Walsh play there tomorrow night.
“He is 21 years old. We all mature with experience and it will grow.
“He’s a wonderful player now and he’s going to be an even better player next year and five years from now.”
[ad_2]
