19 Jun 2012

Both Origin sides hoping Slater will play

11:52 am on 19 June 2012

The door remains open for Billy Slater to make a remarkable Origin III league appearance for Queensland - and New South Wales wouldn't have it any other way, according to ex-Blues captain Ben Elias.

Queensland chairman of selectors Des Morris confirmed the Maroons had not given up on Slater running out for the July the 4th series decider in Brisbane despite the fullback last week being ruled out for at least a month with a knee injury.

And Elias welcomed the news, saying they would prefer Slater played Origin III so Queensland would have no excuses when their remarkable run of six series wins ended.

The man expected to replace Slater at fullback, Greg Inglis, was on Monday cleared of a serious elbow injury and even given the green light for South Sydney's Friday night NRL clash with Brisbane.