Something magnificent brewing: Why NSW should be worried about Maroons coaching 'dream team'

We are entering a new era for Queensland Origin, and I think NSW should be worried.

The Maroons have selected a quality side. One where you scroll down the list looking at all the names, and just nod along in agreement.

But it seems no matter who is picked, something magical happens to a player when they pull on a Maroons jersey.

Whether a veteran or a newbie, if they have played 100 NRL games or just a handful, they instantly become a superhero and rise to the occasion. Look at Fatty Vautin’s ‘no name’ champions from 1995, and weren’t the Blues beaten by ‘the worst ever Queensland side’ in 2020?

And then of course in the middle of both of those, was the Maroons Dynasty. The eight-year domination between 2006 and 2013, is the stuff of legends, or nightmares if you are from NSW. Series after series with the Cane Toads standing on the podium holding the trophy, while the Cockroaches were sprawled out on the ground in disbelief and despair.

There’s just something undeniable about a Queensland Origin player. And then, once they have hung up the boots and moved on, a select few get a tap on the shoulder and are handed a whistle and a clipboard.

This year, the stars have aligned, and the entire Maroons coaching staff fall into this category. Four previous Origin players who each bring different qualities and strengths to the team that could prove indestructible.

When the QRL made the announcement last September that Billy Slater was going to be the Queensland Origin head coach I thought “Wow – here we go.”

A player who tallied 319 NRL games, 31 Origins, and one Dally M award. An athletic and lightning-fast fullback, known for his professionalism and determination, and as superstar in the Origin arena. He spent his entire club career under the great Craig Bellamy and was always someone who was meant to end up behind the wheel himself.

“He’s exactly what we need right now as a Queensland team,” former Maroons star Brent Tate told foxsports.com.au. “Timing is everything and it’s time.”

Now, I’m a firm believer that just because you were a great player it doesn’t mean you will be a great coach – Slater will be an astounding exception.

He then started building his dream team. He revealed the first of his coaching staff: Josh Hannay – 150 games for the Cowboys, and two Origins for Queensland. A tough and talented centre with an accurate boot. While the number of games is not in the same ballpark of Slater’s, the experience, knowledge, and calmness Hannay brings to the team in undeniable.

He was assistant and then interim head coach at the Cowboys, and he has held both of those roles at the Cronulla Sharks, where he is currently second in command to Craig Fitzgibbon. He’s been part of the Queensland Under 18s and Queensland Under 20s coaching sides and has also been an assistant coach for the top side, where he finds himself again once more.

Josh Hannay took the clipboard at Cronulla as caretaker in 2021. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

“He’s had a lot of experience after being handed the reins in some tough circumstances (in the NRL) and I think he’s handled himself really well,” Slater said. “Every dealing that I’ve had with him, whether it be at Origin level or throughout the media, has been positive and I think he’s got a really intelligent football mind that will add a lot of value to the playing group which is what we’re looking for.”

Next name added to the coaching panel: Johnathan Thurston – 323 club games, 37 for QLD, and four Dally M awards. One of the best and most passionate halfbacks to ever play the game, he led his beloved Cowboys to a grand final win in 2015 and was an important ingredient in the Maroons success. JT has been helping around the Maroons squad for a few years now, and Slater just knew he had to have him.

“JT is your ultimate Origin competitor,” Slater told Fox Sports recently. “We saw all the brilliant stuff that Johnathan brought to the game, but for me it was the work ethic that he demanded from himself, which in turn he demanded from his teammates.

“I think he can have that sort of impact as a coach also.”

One final spot remained, and I don’t think it was ever in doubt who it was for. Cameron Smith: 430 NRL games, 42 for QLD, and two Dally M awards. He captained the Melbourne Storm 327 times, and the Maroons for six series, and guided them both to numerous glories. Many think that he was the greatest player of the modern era, one of the best dummy halves to ever lace up a boot, and someone who just oozes success.

“If you look at what he brought as a player and a leader, I think that’s also what he can bring as a member of the coaching staff,” Slater said. “Some people have this aura about them, and Cameron Smith is one of those people.”

Now don’t get me wrong, the Blues have a solid team list bursting with talent, and a coaching staff full of skill and expertise. Brad Fittler along with Greg Alexander, Danny Buderus and the latest addition to the coaching squad Paul McGregor are all legends of the game. And NSW currently have the Origin shield in their possession, so they know what they are doing.

But these other guys? I can’t describe it. Something magnificent is brewing.

Slater, Hannay, Thurston and Smith all enjoyed success on the field for Queensland. Now they are joining forces once more, replacing their jerseys for jackets and mouthguards for walkie talkies. And I just have this feeling that what happens next is going to be huge.

They say lightning doesn’t strike twice. That is, until it does.