Ben Ikin, the CEO of the QRL, shared insights into the emotional state of Billy Slater ahead of Origin II, revealing that Slater was indeed “rattled” following a heated exchange with Aaron Woods. The confrontation escalated when Woods labelled Slater a “grub,” an attack aimed at intensifying the rivalry after a subdued buildup to the first game. Slater, taking the remarks to heart, reacted fervently the day before the match, invoking the memory of the late Paul Green, ultimately issuing an apology to Green’s family.
Ikin observed that Slater appeared close to tears during a press conference in the lead-up to the match, indicating the emotional toll the feud had taken on him. Despite this, Slater’s ability to overcome such distractions and lead his team to victory spoke volumes about his character and resilience. According to Ikin, the previous 24 to 48 hours had weighed heavily on Slater, and although he made some mistakes in handling the situation, he managed to rectify them quickly and helped his team secure a win.
The pressure on Slater rose after the disappointing performance in Origin I, prompting him to make significant changes to the team by dropping captain Daly Cherry-Evans and second-rower Beau Fermor. This decision proved strategic, as Cameron Munster excelled in the captaincy role, while Kurt Capewell delivered one of his finest games in a Maroons jersey.
Ikin praised Slater’s audacity in making such drastic moves during a high-stakes series. He acknowledged that while the decision to drop the captain was unconventional, Slater followed his instincts, selecting Tommy Dearden, who impressed in his new role. Although Slater faced scrutiny for his earlier missteps, he swiftly corrected his course.
As coach, Slater is navigating his fourth season, all at the Origin level. Ikin remarked on the distinct challenges that coaching entails apart from playing and expressed confidence that Slater would emerge from this experience as a more seasoned coach. The overall takeaway from the series is Slater’s potential for growth and improvement, solidifying his position within the annals of coaching in the sport.