Maroons coach Billy Slater has responded in typical fashion to the appointment of Michael Maguire as his arch nemesis and coach of the NSW Blues.
Slater has masterminded back-to-back series victories for Queensland, which led to Brad Fittler only being afforded a one-year extension before standing down.
NSW powerbrokers then went about building a new coaching staff, with Maguire as head coach and John Cartwright, Matt King and Brett White as assistants.
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Maguire has previously coached Slater during his time at the Storm and knows how good the former premiership-winner can be at the helm.
However, in typical Slater fashion, he one again pointed the focus back onto Queensland when speaking to The Courier Mail.
“I’ve been coached under Michael Maguire, and some of his assistants that he’s bringing on have been involved in some footy teams that I’ve been involved in,” Slater said.
“The great thing about what Queensland have been able to do over the last couple of years is really focus on ourselves.
“Focus on who we’re playing for, our people and those guys that have really earned the opportunity to represent Queensland over the last two season have done a great job.
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“It’s going to be a great series again.”
Slater was also quizzed one how he thought Maguire would be able to swing the Blues’ fortunes after being outplayed in the 2023 series.
“I’m not too sure,” he said.
“I think it’s important to focus on what’s in front of you and what you can control.
“That sort of stuff (a new coach) we can’t control as Queenslanders – we just need to get our game on and that’s what we’re focusing on this year.”
Across Fittler’s 18 games in charge of the Blues, he won nine at a 50 per cent strike rate to go with three series victories.
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