BOB Katter, Federal Member for Kennedy, says the Queensland State of Origin Team is in good hands under the guidance of Innisfail-raised, Billy Slater.

“The north is enormously proud of Billy and it is about time we have one of our North Queensland greats recognised.

“In spite of having produced some of the greatest players of all time, Sam Backo, Marty Bella, Kerry Boustead and Billy Slater himself, all are contenders for the greatest player ever, in spite of this, the powers that be in Brisbane; they’ve constantly passed us over.

“You will recall the appalling omission of Laurie Spina from the State team in 87 and the appalling omission of Billy Slater himself from the side in 2017.

“Billy comes from a long line of famous people and particularly famous rugby league players,” Mr Katter said.

“The six or seven per cent of Australia that lives in North Queensland all believe Slater’s a legend.

“And if he hadn’t been given the position, someone would be copping a big spray from me.”