Billy Slater steps down as Queensland State of Origin coach

Billy Slater has resigned as head coach of the Queensland Maroons after five years, a surprise move following his three series wins in five attempts in the State of Origin competition, a high-stakes annual rugby league series between Queensland and New South Wales in Australia.

Queensland Rugby League officials confirmed the departure Friday afternoon, initiating an immediate search for his successor after his decision not to continue. Slater had previously been expected to coach the Maroons next year, having approached the role on a year-by-year basis.

Slater's coaching tenure and impact

Slater took over the Maroons in 2022, securing series victories in his first two years. He also orchestrated a comeback win last year, when Queensland recovered from a 1-0 deficit with two road victories, according to The Guardian NRL. This year, New South Wales returned the favor, also winning the series on the road after an initial loss.

Queensland Rugby League chair Brian Canavan praised Slater's extraordinary contribution, highlighting his authentic leadership and deep understanding of what Maroons representation means. Canavan also noted Slater's role in shaping a new generation of players, instilling values that have long defined the Maroons.

Slater himself described his tenure as one of the most rewarding experiences of his life, expressing pride in what the team built together and emphasizing that his identity as a Queenslander remains unchanged.

Succession plans for Queensland

The search for Slater’s replacement is underway, with several former assistants emerging as leading candidates. Cameron Smith, Matt Ballin, Johnathan Thurston, and Ben Te’o, all of whom have served under Slater at various times, are considered potential options to replace him. Matt Ballin and Ben Te’o are among the early candidates, as reported by SMH NRL.

The 2025 State of Origin series will feature new leadership for both sides, as New South Wales also has a new coach in Matt King, who replaced Laurie Daley.

Melbourne Storm coaching speculation addressed

Slater’s departure from the Maroons immediately fueled speculation about his potential move to the Melbourne Storm, where he has been a part-time consultant. Many believed he was being groomed to eventually succeed long-serving Storm coach Craig Bellamy, who recently confirmed he would continue coaching until 2027.

However, Slater has directly addressed these rumors, stating unequivocally that he has no plans to become a club coach. Speaking at a charity lunch just hours before his Maroons exit was announced, Slater told Andrew Johns on stage, “That won’t happen. I never say never, but, ‘never’.” He elaborated that an NRL head coaching role is a 365-day commitment that requires complete dedication which he currently lacks.

Slater’s disinterest in a full-time NRL role is not new; he has consistently dismissed such interest, despite being high on Melbourne’s list of potential successors to Bellamy. The Storm are expected to accelerate their plans to secure Bellamy’s replacement once their current season concludes. They hold current assistant Ryan Hinchcliffe in high regard, who has expanded his coaching experience with Samoa and the New South Wales Origin side. Another long-time assistant, Marc Brentnall, has previously shown little desire for an NRL head coaching position, according to the SMH NRL.

Reflections on coaching philosophy

Slater revealed that he initially took on the Queensland coaching job after being persuaded by Maroons legend Paul Vautin. He recounted Vautin’s insistence that it would be the best thing he would ever do, a sentiment Slater now agrees with, highlighting the profound reward of helping players achieve goals for people they care about.

His approach to the Queensland role was always flexible; he consistently stated he would not sign a long-term deal and would only continue if he believed he was the right person for the job, demonstrating his commitment to the team's best interests over his own.

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