Inglis just wants Slater back on field

Greg Inglis couldn’t care less at this moment just how Queensland will fit Billy Slater back into their lineup next year – he just wants to see his mate playing again.

Slater has been a proud but surely concerned spectator as Queensland have claimed this year’s State of Origin series.

The 27-Origin veteran’s season-ending shoulder injury has allowed Darius Boyd to finally don the No.1 jersey for the Maroons.

After spending his entire Origin career on the wing, Boyd has been impressive in both matches at fullback for the Maroons this year.

His displays have lead to questions over whether 33-year-old Slater will get himself back in the Queensland setup next year – particularly with Cameron Munster impressing in his absence at Melbourne in the NRL.

Inglis has praised the work his former Storm teammate has done as a member of the coaching staff in 2016 and says fitting him back into Queensland’s lineup isn’t the priority.

“He’s just got to get back playing footy,” Inglis said.

“He’s been part of the coaching staff in the last two camps and he’s been incredible for the backs, just coming in and giving his wisdom and that.

“I just want to see Bill back playing footy.”

As to Boyd, Inglis says his performances as fullback in games one and two shouldn’t come as a surprise.

“Darius is a great player,” Inglis said.

“Seeing him just grow as a person off the field. It’s a credit to himself and a credit to his wife Kayla as well.”

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