NSW accused of devious act as Queensland blast 'rubbish' Origin claim about Billy Slater
The Maroons are reportedly of the belief that the Blues have made up a rumour around Selwyn Cobbo.
Queensland assistant coach Josh Hannay has rubbished claims of a rift between Selwyn Cobbo and Billy Slater, amid new reports that the Maroons believe the NSW Origin camp has concocted the story to unsettle them. On Tuesday, leading NRL reporter Danny Weidler reported that Cobbo had clashed with the Queensland coaching staff over his attitude towards training.
Weidler was adamant his mail was good, but Slater vehemently denied the claims later on Tuesday. And Hannay was also quick to shoot down the suggestion on Wednesday morning ahead of the State of Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium.
"That story has gotten more air than it deserves, and I'm not going to give it any more," he told reporters in Brisbane. Hannay also said claims that Slater is cracking under pressure are "rubbish", adding: "He's the same Billy that I've worked with for three years. If anything - and this is the frightening part - it's only made him more determined."
Claims NSW might have made up Slater and Cobbo rift claims
The Courier Mail reported on Wednesday that Queensland believe the rumours around Slater and Cobbo have come from the NSW camp - in a devious attempt to throw the Maroons off. The Brisbane-based publication reported they also heard the rumours, but couldn't verify them and therefore dismissed them.
"This masthead was also told that Cobbo’s relationship with members of the Queensland coaching staff had soured, but opted not to run the story when we were unable to confirm its veracity," the report states. "The Maroons believe the rumours may have emanated from the NSW camp, continuing the mind games between the sides in the lead-up to what promises to be an explosive finale at Suncorp Stadium."
Billy Slater smacks down claims about Selwyn Cobbo
Slater addressed the rumours around himself and Cobbo on Tuesday, saying: "I actually haven't seen Selwyn more happy, I haven't seen him more engaged in his football and he's had a great week. He is ready to play."
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An interesting sub-plot to the drama is the fact Weidler and Slater are technically colleagues at Channel 9. "Gone are the days that you've got to report the truth. I don't know where that's come from, but it's totally fake news," Slater added.
"Danny Weidler, I'm not sure, that's honestly the first I've heard of it. I was actually having a conversation yesterday with some of the coaching staff about how well [Cobbo's] week has gone and he is ready to play.
"[My relationship] with Selwyn couldn't be stronger, I can't be more clear of that. For me to talk about this is totally irrelevant 24 hours before a game. Selwyn and I are fine and that's total fake news. Honestly, the accountability to report the truth is obviously not there, to throw that sort of stuff out. I like plenty about what Selwyn brings to the footy team."
Weidler suggested the rift theory could have been part of the reason Cobbo wasn't picked for Origin 2. Slater said at the time that Cobbo was dealing with some issues - both physical and mental - and admitted he wasn't in the right frame of mind to play. "He just wasn't quite right to play in Game 2 and he will be the first to admit that," Slater said on Tuesday. "But he's good to go now."
