Slater and Crocker suspended

Maroon selectors can breath a sigh of relief after Billy Slater and Michael Crocker both took early guilty pleas, ensuring they are available for the opening State of Origin match.

Storm custodian Slater will miss one game for his head slam on Sharks winger David Simmonds on Saturday night. Melbourne have the bye this week, so Slater will sit out his club's round 10 clash with the Bunnies.

Firebrand Rooster Crocker will be handing out gatorade over the next fortnight thanks to the 54th minute high shot he put on in the dismal failure to North Queensland at the weekend. He will miss out on games against the Knights and the Warrirors.

Both players are sure to feature in Queensland's Origin campaign.