Queensland great explains Cobbo axing for State of Origin Game 2

Queensland great Darren Lockyer has revealed why Maroons boss Billy Slater chose to leave Brisbane Broncos fullback Selwyn Cobbo out of the Maroons’ State of Origin Game 2 squad. According to the former legend, the decision to axe Cobbo from the squad was out of Slaters’ hands.  

Cobbo’s shock absence from Maroons squad 

The decision to call up Selwyn Cobbo for Queensland’s Game 1 match against NSW in Sydney looked like overkill when the Maroons first announced their squad. With so many top-quality backs in the team already, Cobbo looked surplus to requirements.  
 
Following Joseph Sua’ali’i’s dirty high hit on Reece Walsh, the decision to call up Cobbo looked like a stroke of genius. Walsh left the match after the hit, making Cobbo a much needed reinforcement on the bench.  
 
With all this being said, it was a shock when Cobbo was left out of Queensland’s Game 2 squad. According to Maroons legend Darren Lockyer the decision to leave out Cobbo was an easy one for boss Billy Slater. 

“Easy decision” for Lockyer and Slater 

Darren Lockyer explained to The Courier Mail that Cobbo was not fit enough mentally or physically to play in Game 2. 
 
“The decision in the end was pretty easy for Bill (Slater),” Lockyer revealed.  
 
“He is carrying a few niggles at the moment and it’s affecting him mentally.  
 
“He was pretty open and honest with Bill about whether he was capable of performing in that arena. There is nowhere to hide in Origin. 
 
“I think he is young, and I think his time (with the Maroons), it’s not like it’s over. He will be back in the Maroons jersey at some point, but now is not the right time to push him physically and mentally given that we are one-up in the series. 
 
“That’s a luxury Bill has got. It’s a big decision, but at the same time it’s the right one.” 

State of Origin Game 2 odds 

Queensland and NSW face off in State of Origin Game 2 on 26 June at Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Blues have the home advantage on this Wednesday night showcase. It could be the difference, according to the betting sites. 
 
Despite their big 38-10 loss in Game 1, The top Australian betting apps have made NSW slight favourites. BoomBet gives the Blues $1.80 odds and the Maroons  at $2.00. 

These odds are slightly shocking considering just how dominant the Maroons looked against NSW. However, Queensland were up an extra man for most of that match. With both teams being on an even playing field in Game 2, we could see a much closer match.