State of Origin 2024: Slater talks up Cobbo ahead of decider

Queensland coach Billy Slater has praised winger Selwyn Cobbo ahead of State of Origin game three this Wednesday, saying he is at full fitness for the series decider in Brisbane.

“He’s had a great week and he’s ready to play,” Slater said at Tuesday’s press conference.

“I actually haven’t seen Selwyn more happy. I haven’t seen him more engaged in his football.”

Slater continued to explain how he had been talking with his coaching staff recently about “how well his week had gone”.

Rugby league bookmakers have Cobbo sitting at $2.10 to score a try in the 2024 State of Origin decider.

Slater denies rumours of falling out with Cobbo

Rumours emerged on Tuesday that Slater and Cobbo had fallen out in the lead-up to game three.

However, the Maroons coach has vehemently denied these claims.

“I don’t know where that’s come from, but [it is] totally fake news,” Slater said.

“That’s the first I’ve heard of it.

“Gone are the days when you’ve got to report the truth. I don’t know where that’s come from but it’s totally fake news.”

Slater went on to declare that his relationship with Cobbo “couldn’t be stronger” and that the pair “are fine”.

Of the decision not to play the Broncos star in game two, he explained that Cobbo was not physically fit for the clash.

“He just wasn’t quite right to play game two and he’d be the first to admit that,” Slater said.

“He’s good to go now. He’s had a great week at training. He’s physically ready, he’s had great preparation and he’s right to play.”

Game three of the 2024 State of Origin series kicks off at 8:05pm local time at Suncorp Stadium, with Queensland ($1.82) slight favourites to beat New South Wales ($2).

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