Billy Slater has launched an impassioned defence of Queensland Origin fullback Darius Boyd, but admits Maroons selection is weighing on his own mind.
Slater has done just about everything in his power to win back his Queensland No.1 jersey from Boyd for the must-win clash with NSW at ANZ Stadium on June 21.
The 33-year-old provided the match-winning pass for Melbourne against Cronulla on Thursday night - his 12th assist in 11 games since returning from career-threatening shoulder injuries.
The decision to overlook Slater for game one was one of the most contentious in Maroons' Origin history.
It sparked discontent from a number of Maroons legends, while federal politician Bob Katter even went as far as to lodge an official complaint with Queensland Rugby League over the selection.
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However, Slater said he could understand the selectors' decision after Boyd was Queensland's player of the series in 2016 while deputising at fullback.
"Have a look at the bloke they picked," Slater said.
"He's a fantastic player and I thought it was really unwarranted some of the talk that would have affected him going into that first game.
"I felt for Darius because he is a world-class player and he hasn't put a foot wrong."
But it doesn't mean Slater isn't determined to win back the No.1 jersey he last wore in the second game of the 2015 Origin series.
Slater admitted "it wasn't easy" to watch the Maroons' 28-4 loss to the Blues from his lounge, as he often yelled at the TV.
He was yet to hear from Walters between Origin I and the Sharks clash, as Queensland selectors weigh up whether to make team changes for Origin II.
The most likely option would include shifting Boyd to the wing and Dane Gagai to the centres, with Justin O'Neill dropping out of the side.
And Slater said while he had tried to avoid thinking about Origin to focus on his continued return, he admitted it was impossible to block out.
"There's been a lot of talk and you can't unhear the talk," he said.
"It is in your mind.
"But I've got an obligation to this team and if I'm thinking about myself and my own rewards it's not fair on the team."
Slater also indicated he had no issues with Walters and the Queensland hierarchy after his non-selection.
Slater has previously played under Walters as an assistant at the Storm, and said he knew the decision to overlook him had hurt the coach, long before the teary selection press conference.
"He's a Queensland great, he just wants what's best for Queensland," Slater said.
"It's not about me, it's not about Kevvie or anyone else.
"It's about Queensland and what is best for that team.
"I respected the way they went about it and spoke to me and explained it to me."
