Billy Slater has signed a three-year extension as Queensland coach in a huge boost to the Maroons’ quest for sustained State of Origin success.
The 40-year-old has been in charge of two series wins in a row and will now coach the Maroons until the end of 2026.
Queensland Rugby League CEO Ben Ikin said Slater’s coaching nous and man management skills were top shelf and made him the ideal choice.
“Billy was a champion Origin player and knows what it takes to win at that level,” Ikin said.
“He was a player who thought his way through the contest, prepped well and came out of a great (Melbourne) system.
“He would have had a magnificent look at how Craig Bellamy coached and had the opportunity to work under Mal Meninga who was one of the great leaders in rugby league history, which he brought into his tenure as Maroons coach. I see elements of both Mal and Craig in Billy’s coaching.”
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
There is a history surrounding the Maroons that needs to be honoured by the current playing group and Ikin said Slater was at the forefront of ensuring that legacy was front and centre of the players’ minds.
“Billy loves the fact that there was a generation of players that came before him and that these players need to respect,” Ikin said.
The Maroons have worn a quote from legendary Queensland team manager Dick ‘Tosser’ Turner on their collars during Slater’s tenure.
It says: “Queensland expects you to do your duty.”
Overall Origin and Queensland player of the series Reuben Cotter won both the Wally Lewis Medal and the Ron McAuliffe Medal this year.
After picking up the latter award he told AAP that Slater had inculcated the true meaning of Turner’s words into the players’ souls.
“Those words just motivate you and get you ready before a game,” Cotter said.
“It means that you do everything and more to protect the team, the jersey and the legacy.”
Slater played 31 Origin games for Queensland and understands what the team means to the public. He is a major driver of the fan day in regional centres that have made the Maroons more than just a football team.
“That is the last layer,” Ikin said.
“Billy takes what this most elite of teams in Queensland is, and what it stands for, and connects that to the broader fan base across the state.”
Nat
Roar Guru
Nice Billy. Passion and tactics to support the talent.
Stewy76
Roar Rookie
Truth be known, Fittler will be annoyed like heck that Gus is volunteering to assist.. but he cant say that - certainly not publicly. Think about it - its a lose/lose for Fittler. Gus comes in and NSW actually win the next series and the media and NSW punters will say "Gus is our saviour".. alternatively, Gus comes in and NSW continue their losing form and Freddy's head is on the chopping block again. Either way Freddy doesn't stand to gain any advantage.
Phil
Roar Rookie
The difference between QLD and NSW; Qld knew exactly who they wanted to coach whereas NSW is in a state of limbo at the moment with Freddy. I think Freddy will continue on as coach because of a lack of contenders putting their hand up for it. Billy has his staff already, Freddy's crew are dropping out, Brandy, Bedsy and Joey all gone being replaced with a footy guru from the last century. Gus has said he will hop on board to replace Brandy but said he didn't know what Brandy did. Maybe Freddy will take Gus for a tip toe through the grass as his induction.
Stewy76
Roar Rookie
Let's go for 10 series wins in a row Billy.. !!
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Onya Billy. Never thought you would leave the fold.