STATE OF ORIGIN: Queensland coach Billy Slater blasts Selwyn Cobbo falling-out report as fake news

Queensland coach Billy Slater insists a report that he and his coaching staff had fallen out with winger Selwyn Cobbo are untrue.

The story, aired on Channel Nine on Monday, was a hot topic at Slater’s press conference on Tuesday on the eve of the State of Origin series decider at Suncorp Stadium.

In the report a Channel Nine journalist said: “Word coming out of the Queensland camp is Selwyn Cobbo is still not seeing eye-to-eye with the Queensland coaching staff. That will be denied at a Queensland media conference tomorrow, but the mail is good.”

Cobbo, 22, starred in the 38-10 game one win but was rested for the 38-18 game two loss at the MCG to get over niggling injuries.

The Broncos outside back was recalled for the Brisbane showdown. Slater was emphatic when asked about the story on Channel Nine, for whom he also works.“I actually haven’t seen Selwyn more happy. I haven’t seen him more engaged in his football,” Slater said.

“He has had a great week and is ready to play. Gone are the days that you have got to report the truth. I don’t know where that has come from, but it’s totally fake news.

“That is the first I have heard of it. I was actually having a conversation with some of the coaching staff yesterday about how well his week has gone. He is ready to play.”

Slater gave Cobbo his Origin debut in 2022 and said he had a bond with the powerhouse winger.

“It couldn’t be stronger. For me to talk about this is totally irrelevant 24 hours before a game. Selwyn and I are fine,” Slater said.

“I like plenty about what Selwyn brings to a footy team.“He just wasn’t quite right to play game two, and he would be the first to admit that. He is good to go now. He has had a great week at training. He is physically ready and has had a great preparation.”