Queensland Coach Expresses Surprise at Sam Walker’s Performance
Queensland coach Billy Slater has expressed his satisfaction with the performance of Sam Walker during the State of Origin camp, highlighting new aspects of the player that have impressed him. Walker, a star from the Sydney Roosters, is set to make his highly anticipated debut in the upcoming State of Origin match.
The circumstances surrounding Walker’s first Origin game are anything but easy. He will be taking on the role of halfback in front of a hostile crowd at Accor Stadium during Origin I on Wednesday night. This position was previously held by Tom Dearden, the reigning player of the series.
Walker’s journey to this point has not been without challenges. He had to compete against a strong list of contenders, including Jake Clifford, a halfback from North Queensland who has been in fine form. However, after observing Walker over nine days in camp, Slater was confident that the 23-year-old could handle the pressure of the Origin environment.
“Just his temperament, the way he’s handled everything, it’s like that he’s been here for five or six years, honestly,” Slater said. “He’s been really impressive. He’s had a great week. He’s a good little player, he looks really confident.”
Throughout his 96 games with the Roosters, Walker has established himself as a player known for his short kicking game, attacking creativity, and composure in high-pressure situations. However, Slater has now come to appreciate additional aspects of Walker’s game as he prepares for his Origin debut.
“He’s a very unique style of player,” Slater said. “I’ve been pleasantly surprised with his skill level, actually. We all know he’s a very creative little player. That’s probably enhanced my opinion, spending the week with him. He’s quite a level-headed, quiet sort of lad. He’s had a great week. I’m looking forward to seeing him get out there and get his game on. Our aim is to help him do that.”
Slater also confirmed that Walker’s halves partner and captain, Cameron Munster, is fit to play despite missing training on Saturday.
“We just felt, the other day, that it was best for Cam just to have a session off, freshen his body up,” he said. “He had a bit of tightness. Unfortunately it wasn’t in the throat and his voicebox, that’s still pretty loose.”
Slater noted that Queensland has made some adjustments to their game plan due to Walker’s inclusion as halfback, rather than Dearden, who is known for his sharp running game.
“There are some things that are non-negotiable in this footy team. The footy team’s created a really high standard for itself over the last little period,” he said. “(But) when you have different players come into the team, they’ve got different strengths. A part of a coach’s job is to help bring those strengths out.”
