Phil Gould, a revered figure in New South Wales rugby league, has asserted that Queensland is unlikely to dismiss Billy Slater, irrespective of the outcome of a potential second consecutive loss in the State of Origin series.
Slater is under considerable pressure following three consecutive defeats; his side hasn’t notched a victory since the opening game of last year’s series.
Furthermore, Queensland has suffered back-to-back losses at their fortress, Suncorp Stadium, renowned for being a nightmare for New South Wales teams.
A legendary fullback, Slater was honoured with the Wally Lewis Medal twice and initially enjoyed success with five wins in his first seven matches as coach of the Maroons, leading them to triumph in both 2022 and 2023.
However, he now faces the possibility of a second series defeat, and Queensland must secure a win in Perth this Wednesday to keep hopes alive for a decider in Sydney next month.
Maroons coach Billy Slater. Getty
After leading Queensland to victory in the 2023 series, Slater secured a new deal with Queensland Rugby League, extending his coaching tenure until 2026.
If the Maroons endure a fifth straight loss on Wednesday, there will undoubtedly be scrutiny on the QRL, but Gould prefers not to engage in speculation.
During a podcast, a listener queried Gould on whether Slater’s position was at risk following another series defeat.
“I don’t believe Billy is in any peril regarding his job,” Gould stated on Wide World of Sports’ Six Tackles with Gus. “It hasn’t happened yet; we’ll cross that bridge if they don’t get the desired outcome.”
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Gould’s support follows similar sentiments expressed by NSW team manager Frank Ponissi on Sunday.
It’s worth noting that Ponissi shares a close professional relationship with Slater given their collaboration at the Storm for over a decade.
Recently, Slater faced criticism for departing from Queensland’s traditional “pick and stick” selection approach, which included dropping captain Daly Cherry-Evans last week.
“He knows a thing or two about Origin, and I’m sure he made the decision with the team’s best interests at heart,” Ponissi commented on Nine’s The Sunday Footy Show. “The criticism he’s received seems rather harsh.”
Slater is the 13th individual to take the reins of Queensland’s Origin team.
Currently, he retains the fifth lowest win percentage among coaches who have managed for more than one series, with a win rate of 45.5%—ahead of only Mark Murray (16.7%), Michael Hagan (33.3%), Wally Lewis (33.3%), and Paul Vautin (44.4%).
In contrast, Mal Meninga’s era from 2006 to 2015 saw a successful 66.7% win rate.
Gould himself secured 58.3% victories across his 24 matches helming the Blues.
Ultimately, success in Origin hinges more on series wins than individual games, and Slater’s record of two wins from three so far is commendable.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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