Queensland Maroons great blasts media witch hunt towards Billy Slater

Queensland and rugby league great Paul Vautin has thrown his support behind Maroons coach Billy Slater who has been in the firing line throughout the 2024 State of Origin series by sections of the media.

Slater was nothing but smiles across his first two series as coach but following NSW coach Michael Maguire’s “glasshouses” comments and the reported rift between he and Queensland winger Selwyn Cobbo, the 41-year-old has appeared visibly agitated during the 2024 campaign.

Vautin, who coached Queensland between 1995 and 1997, believes Slater’s instant success as Maroons coach has contributed to the increase in media scrutiny.

“Things have changed in the media (this series) and they appear to be targeting Billy,” Vautin told SENQ.

“It’s very unfair and they’ve got him under a fine tooth comb.

“Everything he does, the media want to have a crack at him and it’s only because his team is successful. That is the only reason.

“Billy is incredibly smart and I believe he has handled it all really well most of the time.”

Vautin conceded that Slater and the Queensland coaching staff got their selections and tactics wrong for Game II when NSW piled on 34 unanswered points in the first half to establish an unassailable lead.

The key for Queensland winning the decider on Wednesday night will come down to who is more desperate to win the key moments.

“This scenario doesn’t get any better if you’re a Queenslander. Game III at Lang Park,” Vautin continued.

“During the 1980s, we won all three deciders. It’s desperation, that’s all it is.

“Both teams are desperate but for Queenslanders, when you run onto the field… the crowd would see you for the first time and the feeling of playing for the fans (is incredible).

“Desperation means you don’t stop for 80 minutes. Even if you make five tackles in a row, find a way to make a sixth.

“If you don’t get that, you’ll have to get it on Wednesday night.”

Queensland can claim their third straight Origin title with a win at Suncorp Stadium on July 17.