“I'm going to back him up”: Smith defends Slater over Fifita omission

Queensland Origin great Cameron Smith has fiercely defended his former teammate and Maroons coach Billy Slater over criticism for leaving Gold Coast Titans forward David Fifita out of his team for Game I.

Fifita was expected by most commentators and experts to be named in the Queensland side for the series opener on June 5 at Accor Stadium but Slater made the tough decision to leave the backrower out, saying he hadn’t reached the standard he set last year.

Smith, who initially reacted to Fifita missing out by saying he wasn't sure what Slater and the selectors were thinking, has now backed his former teammate and said he laughed at those criticising the Queensland coach.

“Billy came out and spoke about the reasons for that and how he set a high standard about his football last year and he believes that he hasn’t done the same this year,” he said on SENQ Breakfast.

“I have a bit of a chuckle to myself when people question Billy and his selection because I guarantee those people questioning Billy haven’t watched half the amount of football that Billy has this year.

“Every player that’s available for Queensland he’s watched very closely, I know he’s very meticulous with his preparation and the build up to this Origin and that’s exactly how he was as a player.

“If Billy feels that he’s not quite right for Origin I then I’m going to back him up.”

Smith, who played 42 Origins for Queensland, said there were a lot more things that went into playing at the top level than “just metres gained and tackle breaks”.

“I think the team Billy has picked is a very strong side… and I reckon they’re going to go out and do a great job,” he said.

“If (Fifita) does those things a lot better over the next couple of weeks, he might find himself in a Maroon jersey for Game II.”

Fifita played all three games in last year’s series victory for Queensland.