Benny Elias opens up on Billy Slater's coaching weakness as Jarome Luai seeks Origin redemption
The NSW great believes Slater has been second guessing his decisions ahead of the series decider.
NSW great Ben Elias believes Queensland coach Billy Slater is rattled and second-guessing his selection decisions ahead of the State of Origin decider. Slater's preparations for Game 3 have come under the microscope for the first time in the young Maroons coach's Origin career as his side fights to win a third straight series win on Wednesday night.
After picking his side for the series decider, Slater decided to conduct the first session behind closed doors. This is despite the fact NSW and Queensland historically provide the media and fans extensive access to their opening training session after teams are announced. But Slater and the Maroons shut up shop in Queensland but denied that it had anything to do with the side's dismal performance in Game 2.
The Maroons produced their worst half in Origin’s 44-year history in Game 2 in Melbourne, allowing NSW to take a 34-0 lead into halftime as their pack was overrun and stars failed to make any impact. And Slater decided to pull players from one-on-one interviews with media while shielding some others from reporters entirely ahead of Game 3.
It is one of the many calls that has led pundits to question his headspace ahead of the series decider and his decision to leave devastating back-rower David Fifita out of the series continues to be heavily scrutinised.
His recent decision-making has led Paul Gallen to claim that he had never seen Slater so rattled, while also suggesting that his "Queenslander" comments after the Maroons' crushing loss in Origin 2 showed he was a little lost for answers.
And on Sunday, Elias went even further to say that Slater has been showing signs of weakness and is no longer sure if he is making the right calls. "There's no two ways about it, he is doing things he has not normally done," Elias said on the Big Sports Breakfast.
"He works very hard and is very comprehensive and an exceptional coach. And I love every manner he does. But I see in these anecdotes he has changed his way of preparation. He has certainly changed his way for Game 3 than he has for all other games.
"There are mannerisms he has done, and actions he has presented that are totally different ... Seeing it from afar, that is the first sign of weakness."
Elias had previously been critical of Blues mentor Michael Maguire in his time as Wests Tigers coach but suggested Maguire had seriously outplayed Slater off the field. "This is really Slater's big test. You have seen signs of frustrations and really second-guessing himself at times," Elias said.
"So when I get asked why do NSW win? It starts at the top, and the top is the coach. Madge (Maguire) has been a lot more cool calm and collected in this whole way. The old glass houses (sledge) certainly rattled them.
"The first sign of being under a lot of pressure is what Slater did when he shut off all the media and spectators. Normally he has been a very open book and accommodating for everybody, including the media and spectators and family and friends. But when it starts getting a little tough, he shuts down. That's probably been the greatest sign of weakness I see for Game 3."
Jarome Luai out for State of Origin redemption
NSW five-eighth Jarome Luai says he will not take a backward step in Game 3 and is eager to make amends after being sent off during a spiteful finish to last year’s encounter at Suncorp Stadium. The Blues are bullish heading to Queensland's fortress after a dominant win in Melbourne and Luai is eager to make sure Game 3 this year goes very differently to the last time he was at Suncorp in a Blues jersey.
“I thought about it, it’s sort of a scar (being sent off), rather than me thinking about the actual game,” he said. “I have now (got it out of my mind). But I come to the conclusion that at the end of the day, your scars can make you stronger as well. I am thankful for going through that period and then ending up back here with another opportunity.
“I am so grateful for Madge (Blues coach Michael Maguire) and my teammates back at club land to get me back here. That’s what I am most excited about, getting that opportunity back here and not missing that shot.”
The three-time premiership winner knows the task in front of the Blues but cannot wait to get out there on Wednesday night. "We’re not going to let the past dictate what we have to do up there next week. I’m pretty zoned in right now," Luai said.
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“I feel very good, both physically and mentally leading into this game. I’m excited by this challenge. This is why you play footy, for the biggest challenges, for the biggest arenas, in front of the biggest crowds. I can’t wait.
“It’s not really a motivation of mine. I know some guys are pretty big on legacy, but for me, I just love winning. Nothing motivates me more than to win the next game in front of me and to not let the guy next to me down. Those are two big reasons why I want to be at my best on Wednesday night.”
with AAP
