Has anyone compared Boyd's averages with Slater's for this season? I'll do the honours.
Boyd - 13.0 runs, 111.6 metres, 0.2 tries, 0.2 line-breaks, 0.7 line-break assists, 0.5 try-assists, 0.5 offloads, 7.6 tackles, 0.7 missed tackles, 3.3 tackle breaks, 0.3 errors, 0.1 penalties conceded.
Slater - 14.7 runs, 119.6 metres, 0.3 tries, 0.7 line-breaks, 0.7 line-break assists, 0.9 try-assists, 1.8 offloads, 5.9 tackles, 2.6 missed tackles, 4.4 tackle breaks, 1.1 errors, 0.3 penalties conceded.
The argument for Slater on form is there, he's been more productive in every offensive stat, but Origin boils down to discipline and defence, Boyd has been MUCH better defensively and far more disciplined. He also isn't a constant injury concern like Billy is these days, one hard tackle and Slater could be out for the series. I would've liked to have seen Slater get one last run, but I can completely understand Boyd getting the nod.