Laurie Daley’s reported decision to step away as New South Wales coach has immediately shifted the spotlight onto Billy Slater. Now, the Queensland coach has revealed where he stands on his own State of Origin future.
Despite Queensland’s heartbreaking series-deciding loss to the Blues, Slater insists he still has the same passion for coaching the Maroons and remains committed to the role—for as long as he believes he is the right person for the job.
The discussion around Slater’s future intensified after Daley reportedly informed those close to him that he would not seek another term as Blues coach following NSW’s 2-1 series victory.
Speaking after the series, Daley was full of praise for his Queensland counterpart.
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Rather than criticising Slater after the Maroons’ defeat, the Blues coach described him as one of the game’s elite leaders and said Queensland remained in safe hands under the former fullback. According to Nine, Daley believes Slater has already established himself as one of the NRL’s best representative coaches despite losing this year’s decider.
The respect is mutual.
Before Game III, Slater made it clear he had no intention of locking himself into lengthy coaching contracts, explaining that his arrangement with the Queensland Rugby League has always been built on trust rather than paperwork.
“When that changes, my position will change,” Slater said.
“Or if someone in the QRL decides there’s someone better for the job, I’m all for that as well.”
Those comments sparked speculation that he could also be considering stepping away.
However, Queensland Rugby League officials have consistently expressed confidence that Slater will remain in charge for the 2027 series, with outgoing QRL boss Ben Ikin recently saying he expects the Maroons coach to continue despite the public discussion surrounding his future.
Slater’s coaching record also suggests there is little reason for Queensland to make a change.
Since taking over in 2022, he has guided the Maroons to three Origin series victories while helping usher in a new generation of Queensland stars. Although this year’s defeat was disappointing, his overall record remains among the strongest of any modern Origin coach.
The contrast between the two rival coaches is now fascinating.
Daley appears set to walk away after delivering NSW another State of Origin shield, while Slater is expected to continue building towards redemption in 2027.
If that proves to be the case, Queensland will enter the next series with continuity, while the Blues begin the search for a new coach capable of defending the title.
Regardless of who ultimately leads New South Wales, one thing seems increasingly likely.
Billy Slater isn’t finished with State of Origin just yet.
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