Billy Slater isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. He took the role as Queensland coach based on a challenge he set within himself; and by all means, didn’t he smash that goal with the Maroons’ epic series win.
There have been huge rumours floating around all year that Slater’s old boss, Craig Bellamy will coach next year at the Melbourne Storm, before moving on to his new role of guiding a new coach to take charge.
That man to take over? By all reports, it will be Slater. Once touted as Adam O’Brien’s role, then Jason Ryles, then potentially Stephen Kearney – Billy has seemed to come from nowhere.
Always sticking his head around the Storm coaching sessions as Gosch’s paddock, Slater was spotted at their Geelong pre-season camp in a full time role. He’s just seems to be a lot more heavily involved in the club than he has been since winding up his glittering career at the end of 2018.
Reports began to surface when Bellamy decided to sign on for another season, that it was to allow Billy to do his two-year deal with Queensland, then take his talents to a weekly gig with the Storm.
Not bad ha? Bellamy to Slater, after winning his first Origin series? Great news for Storm fans.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Slater, who is currently a commentator on Channel 9, was known to have one of the best eyes for the game in the business. His colour commentary is almost as good as anyone going around, and his work ethic has never been questioned.
Add in his incredible footy smarts, you have the makings of one of the first ever great players to become a great coach.
With all the Cam Munster reviews, based on he would only play under Bellamy, people forget arguably who has been the second most consistent coach in his career: the man dubbed to take over.
When Billy went down in 2016-2017, he coached Munster to a standstill to being one of the best fullbacks in the game. I daresay if Munster can stay for Bellamy, he stays for Slater, too.
While I am sure Billy is celebrating this series win, on the horizon – I am sure of it – is a head coaching role at the Storm awaiting him and him only.
From the Kid, to the Conqueror, to perhaps, the Successor. Go well, Billy.
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