Billy Slater Steps Down as Queensland Maroons Coach After Five Years

Billy Slater has stood down as Queensland State of Origin coach after five years in the role, with the Queensland Maroons now searching for a replacement ahead of the 2027 series.

Queensland Rugby League confirmed the departure on Friday afternoon, bringing to a close a tenure that began in 2022. Slater had been working on a year-by-year basis and had been expected to continue, but has decided not to return for a sixth campaign. (The Guardian; QRL)

For those unfamiliar, State of Origin is rugby league's fiercest rivalry — a three-match series each year between Queensland (the Maroons) and New South Wales (the Blues), with eligibility based on where a player first played senior football. Slater starred for Queensland as a player before moving into the head-coach chair.

His record in charge started superbly. Queensland won his first two series in 2022 and 2023. Last year he conjured a comeback series win, his Maroons recovering from 1-0 down to win twice on the road. The 2026 series told a different story: this time it was New South Wales who came back from 1-0 down to win away, taking the shield.

QRL chair Brian Canavan praised Slater's contribution to Queensland Rugby League across both eras, as a player and a coach. Slater himself indicated he would sit down with his family before deciding his next move and said he was yet to agree to any new deal. (QRL)

Attention has already turned to two questions: who replaces him, and where Slater goes next. Four names have surfaced as potential successors — Cameron Smith, Matt Ballin, Johnathan Thurston and Ben Te'o — all of whom served as assistants under Slater at different points in his tenure. (The Guardian)

The other thread is whether Slater might be lined up to replace Craig Bellamy at Melbourne Storm. Bellamy, his former coach, last week confirmed he would continue into 2027 despite health issues raising questions over his future. That door is not open yet — but it may not stay shut for long. (The Guardian)

For now, the Maroons have a vacancy and a shortlist. Slater walks away with three series wins from five and a reputation as one of the modern game's sharpest minds, whether in boots or a tracksuit.