How Billy Slater’s five-word Origin mantra summed up the advantage the Maroons had over Blues

Billy Slater’s Origin mantra is only five words in total – but it was enough to inspire his Queensland troops to another series win over NSW on Wednesday night.

The Maroons coach installed a key message ‘I can, because we are’ in both camps this year – and the players bought in from day one.

Slater incorporated the African term ‘Ubuntu’, which emphasises the philosophy that the group is more important than the individual. 

The likes of Valentine Holmes, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Reuben Cotter and Lindsay Collins were all for it – and once again, the Maroons stood up when it mattered, owning the big moments in game two at Suncorp Stadium as they cruised to a 32-6 victory.

Veteran halfback Daly Cherry-Evans summed up the famed Queensland spirit, with his cover tackle on a runaway Stephen Crichton late in the first half now part of Origin folklore.

Billy Slater’s Origin mantra is only five words in total – but it was enough to inspire his Queensland troops to another series win over NSW on Wednesday night

Maroons enforcer Tino Fa’asuamaleaui explained ahead of Origin II ‘Ubuntu’ means ‘having your brothers’ back’

Daly Cherry-Evans’ (pictured left) cover tackle on a runaway Stephen Crichton late in the first half is now part of Origin folklore

And despite never coaching at NRL level, Slater has now won consecutive series at Origin level, with his tactics impressive.

Plenty of pundits and fans questioned the decorated Melbourne Storm fullback picking Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow in the centres – but he has been arguably Queensland’s best player.

Eyebrows were also raised after Slater left out Kalyn Ponga, instead opting for Reece Walsh.

The Broncos no.1 has more than justified the bold selection call, and ominously for Blues fans, a dynasty is now looming in the Sunshine State. 

‘It’s a really special group, this group. They just get what it’s all about, they get who it’s for,’ a jubilant Slater said post game.

‘It’s for themselves, it’s for their families, it’s for the people who have worn the jersey before them. But most of all it’s for the Queensland people and that’s not lost to this group.

‘That keeps their feet moving through those tough times.’

Queensland great Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin said in commentary for Channel 9 the Blues ‘played like under 10s. They were awful’

Channel 9 footy identity Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin won’t ever be accused of being eloquent – but he summed up the mood of many fed up NSW fans at fulltime.

The former Queensland coach said in commentary the Blues ‘played like under 10s. They were awful.’

It is hard to argue otherwise.

Fellow Maroons greats Corey Parker and Cooper Cronk continued the pile on. 

‘From NSW’s point of view, from my opinion anyway – they looked disjointed,’ Parker said. ‘Their attack didn’t flow.’

Cronk felt the difference was Queensland’s goal line defence.

‘For the first half, Queensland had minimal opportunities but scored two tries,’ he said.

‘NSW had bulk of the ball, come back in and three minutes after halftime Valentine Holmes, scores, 16-0 — that’s probably where it was won and lost.’