‘It speaks volumes': Cameron Smith defends Billy Slater's Origin reign
The Maroons fended off the Blues in Perth in game two, amid commentary that largely wrote off Slater's side as a chance to win the series after a game one steamrolling, to set the scene for a decider on NSW's home turf at Accor Stadium on Wednesday.
Smith said the game two win was a testament to Slater's coaching, and dismissed external criticism.
'It just shows how much time and preparation [Slater] puts into his role as head coach, and the time that he puts into his players,' Smith said.
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'They were told that NSW's got a far-superior footy side, and that they really had no chance of winning, but to get them into a position to play the way they did, and be in the right frame of mind to have that confidence to go and do that, I think it speaks volumes of his ability as a coach.'
Smith said Slater sounded relaxed and prepared for the final challenge when the pair last spoke a few days ago.
'He's doing a fantastic job for Queensland, and he'll be the coach for many years to come,' Smith said.
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