Three State of Origin series victories from five attempts mark the end of Billy Slater’s five-year tenure as Queensland head coach. The 43-year-old Queensland Rugby League icon confirmed on Friday that he will not return to guide the Maroons for the 2027 series. His departure closes a successful chapter that began ahead of the 2022 campaign, leaving rugby league administrators with an immediate search to fill one of the most high-pressure jobs in Australian sport.
What People Are Searching For
Supporters across the country immediately began questioning why Slater decided to step down despite earlier assumptions that he would lead Queensland into next season. The core curiosity centres on who will replace him at the helm of the Maroons, as well as persistent speculation linking Slater to an eventual takeover from Craig Bellamy at the Melbourne Storm. Rugby league fans are also tracking whether former assistants such as Cameron Smith, Matt Ballin, or Ben Te’o will step directly into the top coaching post.
What Is Confirmed
The Queensland Rugby League officially announced that Slater will not continue as head coach for the 2027 State of Origin series. Slater took charge of the team ahead of 2022, securing series shields in 2022, 2023, and 2025, while suffering series defeats in 2024 and 2026. Across five campaigns, he compiled a record of eight wins and seven losses.
Slater clarified that his departure from the state role was made on its own merits, confirming he does not have another head coaching job lined up. Melbourne Storm chief executive Justin Rodski stated that Slater will continue his part-time specialist coaching role with the club next season. QRL chairman Brian Canavan confirmed that the organisation will soon initiate a formal process to appoint the 14th head coach in Maroons Origin history since 1980.
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.
What Is Unconfirmed
The identity of the next Queensland coach remains unconfirmed, with no formal offers made by the QRL board. Several candidates have emerged in public discussions, including former Maroons assistant coach Cameron Smith, current assistants Matt Ballin and Johnathan Thurston, and Ben Te’o. Smith stated he would discuss the opportunity with his family before deciding whether to pursue the position, while Thurston confirmed he had received no prior indication of Slater’s exit and held no immediate succession talks.
Slater’s long-term future at club level beyond 2027 is also unresolved. While Melbourne management indicated an openness to discuss head coaching options in the future if circumstances align, Slater stated during a charity appearance that he has no appetite for a 365-day full-time NRL head coaching role.
The Bigger Picture
Slater’s exit sets up a complete reset for the annual interstate contest. The 2027 State of Origin series will feature new head coaches for both sides, following New South Wales appointing Matt King to replace Laurie Daley. The 2027 series will also feature a distinctive schedule, with matches slated for Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, Sydney’s Accor Stadium, and Auckland’s Eden Park for the first time.
Beyond representative football, coaching changes continue to ripple across the NRL. Assistant movements involving figures such as Matt Ballin at the Brisbane Broncos and Ben Te’o have generated broader discussion around coaching staff structures across Queensland clubs, while Melbourne Storm prepares for Craig Bellamy’s 26th season in senior charge next year.
Latest Status
Slater has formally concluded his duties with the Queensland representative side. The QRL executive team is assembling its shortlist to select a replacement before preparations begin for the 2027 representative calendar. Slater remains committed to his part-time specialist role at the Melbourne Storm, where he continues to mentor outside backs including Sua Faalogo.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did Billy Slater resign as Queensland Maroons coach?
- Slater decided the time was right to step down on his own terms after five years in charge, operating on a year-by-year commitment rather than a long-term contract.
- How many Origin series did Billy Slater win as coach?
- Slater won three State of Origin series as Queensland coach, securing titles in 2022, 2023, and 2025 while losing the 2024 and 2026 series.
- Is Billy Slater replacing Craig Bellamy at the Melbourne Storm?
- No agreement exists for Slater to take over as Storm head coach. Slater stated he has no current appetite for a full-time club role, though he will remain in his part-time specialist position at Melbourne next season.
- Who are the leading candidates to become the next Queensland coach?
- Former assistants Cameron Smith, Matt Ballin, Johnathan Thurston, and Ben Te’o have emerged as prominent contenders under consideration by commentators and officials.
- Who is coaching New South Wales in 2027?
- New South Wales will be coached by Matt King, who replaced Laurie Daley ahead of the upcoming representative cycle.