In a stunning Friday announcement that has sent ripples through the National Rugby League (NRL), Queensland Maroons State of Origin head coach Billy Slater has confirmed he will step down from his role ahead of the 2027 series, leaving both Queensland and New South Wales needing new head coaches for the next edition of Australian rugby league’s most iconic annual interstate rivalry.
A legendary former fullback who earned 31 caps for the Maroons during his playing career, Slater took over the coaching reins in 2022 and delivered unprecedented immediate success for Queensland, leading the side to three consecutive State of Origin series titles. His three-year tenure ended earlier this year, however, after the Maroons fell to a devastating game three decider defeat on home soil, a result that ultimately pushed the fan favorite coach to decide to move on from the role.
Queensland Rugby League (QRL) now faces a pressing search for a new leader to take on the side against New South Wales’ new coach Matt King, who replaced long-serving Blues mentor Laurie Daley earlier this month.
Slater’s sudden departure has reignited long-running NRL speculation that the Queensland icon is positioning himself to take over as head coach of his long-time club side, the Melbourne Storm. Current Storm head coach Craig Bellamy has already confirmed he plans to retire from the role at the end of the 2027 NRL season, leaving a high-profile vacancy that many NRL analysts see as a perfect fit for Slater.
In a public statement released alongside his resignation announcement, Slater reflected on the profound honor of coaching the Maroons, a role he described as one of the most rewarding experiences of his life. “From being a boy who idolised this team, to a player, to guiding a group that has inspired our State, this has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve done in my life,” Slater said. “I want to thank the players, this group gave everything for the jersey, for each other and our State, and I’m proud of what we’ve built together. To the staff, and to the QRL for the opportunity to lead this team, thank you. And to my fellow Queenslanders, thank you for the trust you put in me to be our coach. Being a Queenslander has always been a huge part of who I am, and that will never change.”
Across his tenure as Maroons coach, Slater compiled an 8-7 win-loss record. QRL officials are now weighing two potential paths to replace him: hiring an already established senior NRL coaching figure, or turning to another Queensland rugby league legend, with fan favorites Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston repeatedly named as top potential candidates for the role.
QRL chair Brian Canavan paid tribute to Slater’s far-reaching contributions to Queensland rugby league across his decades involved with the program, both as a player and a head coach. “Billy has made an extraordinary contribution to Queensland Rugby League, both as a player and as a coach,” Canavan said. “Over the past five seasons he has led the Maroons with authenticity, pride and a deep understanding of what it means to represent this state. He has helped shape a new generation of Queensland players, sharing the values and standards that have defined the Maroons for decades. On behalf of the Queensland Rugby League, I want to sincerely thank Billy for his commitment, leadership and service. His impact on our organisation and on Queenslanders everywhere will be felt long after his tenure as coach concludes.”