Rookie Queensland State of Origin coach Billy Slater has labelled his team as family after a classic opening game of the 2022 series which saw Queensland hold on to win in Sydney 16-10.

The Blues and Brad Fittler were out-coached by Slater and his staff which included Johnathan Thurston and Cameron Smith.

“I was really nervous… I didn’t know how I was going to feel,” Slater said.

“When I was getting ready at the hotel, I felt like I was playing. I’m just so proud. I’m proud to be a Queenslander, I’m really proud to be a coach of that group of players. Some of the performances – there is not much between these two teams – it comes down to small moments, but they are big moments and there were a lot of them out there.

“I didn’t know how I was going to feel about this group, I have never coached before but they feel like my family already… I’m not saying that just to say it, I feel a real connection to these guys.

“They’ve been outstanding all week. There’s a real comradery amongst the group, I knew the week went well, I knew the preparation went well… we just had to go out and perform.

“It’s hard not to focus on the result, but it’s important not to focus on the result, if that makes sense. The result will take care of itself, we just need to play well.”