A RECORD crowd of 91,671 saw Queensland level the series in Melbourne – but Maroons coach Billy Slater says Victoria will never be in State of Origin.
A Melbourne Storm great, Slater earned plaudits in the build-up to the 44-24 win over New South Wales at the MCG by taking his team to a junior game involving Altona Roosters.
But as the the rules stand, none of those players can take part in the showpiece series unless they move to NSW or Queensland before the age of 13 or their parents are Origin players.
Slater pointed out that both him and Maroons captain Cameron Munster have spent their entire professional careers in the Victorian capital.
But while he insisted both of them were passionate about the development of the code south of the Murray, he said: “I can’t see Victoria being part of the State of Origin.
“It’s got too much fabric and storylines and history that goes into it. It started with Arthur Beetson running onto Lang Park, the ground that we’re going to run onto in three weeks’ time.
“The game can go wherever it wants to go. It is such a great product and we love the game. The game has given us so much, it’s given me so much and I’m really grateful for that an appreciative.
“I just can’t see any other state being in the State of Origin. It’s just got something special, NSW and Queensland.”
Explaining the decision to support Victorian rugby league while in camp, Slater – who played 319 games for the Storm – said: “That’s something Cam and I are really proud of: the growth of the game and the development of the game down here in Victoria.
“On Saturday we had a training session and (spontaneously) both Harry (Grant) and Cam spoke to the group about ducking into a junior game.
“We went to Altona and just showed our face and got some photos with some kids. It was a great experience.”
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