Overview
- On Friday Billy Slater confirmed he will not return as Maroons coach after five seasons in charge and has stepped away from the role for the 2027 series.
- Slater leaves with three State of Origin series wins from five campaigns and a reported coaching record of eight wins and seven losses.
- The Queensland Rugby League has opened a formal process to appoint a successor and has publicly praised Slater for his contribution to the program.
- Broncos assistant Matt Ballin and Maroons staffer Ben Te’o have been named as internal candidates while former greats Johnathan Thurston and Cameron Smith are among the external names mentioned.
- Slater’s departure means both Origin sides will have new head coaches next year and it has renewed speculation about his future, including links to the Melbourne Storm while Craig Bellamy has said he will continue coaching.