The Kid is now the coach, with Billy Slater confirmed as Queensland’s new State of Origin coach.
The champion fullback, a key member of the Maroons’ most successful Origin dynasty, was named coach on a two-year deal on Friday.
He replaces Paul Green after the NRL premiership-winning mentor’s exit earlier this month following just one series at the helm.
The job is Slater’s first in coaching since his retirement as a player in 2018.
“I was drawn to the role because I care and because it’s important to me,” Slater said.
“At the end of the day, I’m a Queenslander. This team means a lot to me. It always has.
“It has been a big part of my life for the majority of my life and now I get the opportunity to help other people not only fulfil their dream, but inspire a whole state.”
Slater made 31 appearances for the Maroons and was a vital part of Mal Meninga’s dominant team which won nine of 10 series between 2006 and 2015.
The 38-year-old also made 39 Test appearances for Australia and was the Dally M player of the year in 2011, the Rugby League Golden Boot winner in 2008 and the Clive Churchill Medallist on two occasions (2009, 2017).
Despite his lack of coaching experience, incoming QRL chief executive Rohan Sawyer said Slater was the stand-out candidate to replace Green.
“The all-round education he can provide to our playing group is exciting, and his technical thinking offers another element as well,” Sawyer said.
Slater’s coaching staff is yet to be confirmed but ex-Melbourne and Queensland teammate Cameron Smith, as well as ex-Maroon Johnathan Thurston have been mentioned.
Veteran coach Wayne Bennett has also been touted for a possible mentoring role alongside Slater.
“It would be irresponsible not to lean on some great people around the Queensland State of Origin team that have been there in the past, that have been successful,” Slater said.
“I thought it was important that I had to commit first, then we’ll put the pieces of the puzzle together.
“Over the next little period, we’ll build a support staff around the players that will best assist the players to play at their optimal.”
G Len N
Roar Rookie
Fair point too mate.
Big Red V
Guest
Inspired or the music stopped and he got the last chair......? Not saying it's a bad choice, but what were the others? He also did some work with the St Kilda AFL team so would have gotten some experience on alternative coaching techniques.
Wayne Turner
Guest
So Bennett will really be coaching them. Just as well. Zero coaching experience Slater,and a great BS artist. The battle of channel 9 too. The lack of merit (One of societies big problems.), continues to run wild in and outside of rugby league.
matth
Roar Guru
Billy will need a 'Hagan' or a 'Henry' as assistant coaches to help him the same way Big Mal did. Maybe a semi-retired Bennett, maybe Henry, maybe someone else, but he won;t be left without any experience at all.
matth
Roar Guru
It doesn't pay like an NRL gig. Most coaches are trying to reach NRL head coach status. I'm just saying it doesn't leave much left over for the rep gigs. They are either failed NRL coaches (i.e. Fittler, Meninga) or rookies (Daley, Walters, Slater). It's just the way it is.
Adam
Roar Guru
NRL is the definition of cliquey. Look it up in the dictionary and there is a picture of the Channel9 commentary team making dirty jokes
Adam
Roar Guru
I reckon even more if his price was low. Imagine the Bunnies or Panthers looking for a Hooker or even a half over the Origin period...
andrew
Roar Rookie
:laughing: I’ll let that comment go Paul, out of respect for a fellow Saints supporter :laughing:
Paul
Roar Guru
Your confidence is either going to be well placed or misplaced, Andrew. Hopefully the former so the Blues have some competition over the next few years :stoked:
Paul
Roar Guru
Sure is. I get that Smith's one of the game's greats but if he decided to auction off his services for next season, I reckon at least 8 or 10 Clubs would bid for him.
andrew
Roar Rookie
I've got great confidence in the next batch of QLD players coming through and with Billy at the helm I'm even more confident Paul.
Paul
Roar Guru
I get your point but Hagan had a short but solid coaching career, prior to taking on SOO. Billy's only had a long playing career and a short commentary career so far. I guess Kevvie did it so maybe Billy can :happy:
G Len N
Roar Rookie
Why can’t it be a full time coach? Because that’s what we did in the past? Bennett did it successfully last year with proper support in place. I’ll say it again, a guy with NO coaching experience is now in the big seat on the biggest stage in League. It befuddles me.
egbert
Guest
I think Slater will do a good job as QLD coach. BUT I don't think it is good for the game that both NSW and QLD coaches are also pundits for channel 9. It looks insular, incestuous and cliquey, to say nothing of any conflict of interest. We need more 'outsiders', however you define that, to get big jobs.
matth
Roar Guru
So who would you pick, given that any decent NRL level coach is already coaching in the NRL. The Origin coach is not a full time gig.
matth
Roar Guru
Same sort of situation as Meninga with Hagan and then Henry in the background for technical support.
G Len N
Roar Rookie
I’ll be cheering for the Maroons next year as usual…..but this decision does my head in. If you aren’t a channel 9 personality you aren’t able to do the job obviously. I’m sure Billy will do his best but being a parochial Qlder may not be qualification enough to be a coach?
Adam
Roar Guru
Isn't it sad that a near 40 year old would find a club to play at without a hassle if he wanted to for next year?
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Billy will go well as new coach, it's a man management role primarily with tactics and analysis his main duties. The mentoring reference is just a polite way of saying you'd be mad not to pick uncle Wayne's brain for any useful insights. He'll assemble a great group to right the Canetoad ship. I hate blowout Origins and NSW have too much talent at the moment. Hopefully this evens things up a bit.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Spot on Brother. Inspired choice imo.