SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Cronk, Slater must fire for Qld: Walters

Their future may be in doubt but Queensland coach Kevin Walters says the Maroons need Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk to fire in the State of Origin decider.

Queensland Origin halfback Cooper Cronk
Pressure is on Cooper Cronk to fire in the State of Origin decider. (AAP)

2 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Skip to article content

Their future may still be undecided but Queensland coach Kevin Walters wants Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk to play Wednesday night's State of Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium like it is their last game.

Slater, 34, is a confirmed starter after Walters cleared the veteran fullback of a rolled ankle suffered at training on Sunday.

However, Walters said neither Slater or Cronk had indicated whether this would be their final game in Maroon.

Off contract Slater is yet to decide whether to re-sign for another season ahead of his 29th Origin after a successful comeback from two shoulder reconstructions this year.

And Cronk, 33, is unsure of his playing future after announcing he will leave NRL club Melbourne and join his fiancee in Sydney in 2018.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

But Walters believed it was "irrelevant" whether this would be the pair's Origin swansong.

He simply wanted them to bring their best on Wednesday night as the Maroons look to keep their dynasty alive.

Walters said Queensland would need Slater and fellow "Big Three" members Cronk and skipper Cameron Smith to shine if the Maroons were to clinch their 11th series win in 12 years.

"They haven't given any indication to anyone really," he said.

"That's irrelevant. We just need them to be at their best to win.

"They know what is going on but we just want the best out of them tomorrow night and worry about that next year."

A controversial game one omission, Slater reclaimed his Queensland No.1 jersey for the first time in two years in Origin II to help inspire a come from behind 18-16 win in Sydney.

"I think Billy made a big difference in game two and we need that difference again for Queensland to get home," Walters said.

"I think Cooper Cronk can add to that as well regardless of whether it is their last game for Queensland."


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world