NEW Queensland coach Billy Slater has vowed to be his own man as Paul Green’s successor backed his knowledge of State of Origin football to spearhead a Maroons fightback next season.
Slater’s decision to ink a two-year contract represents a fresh era of mentoring for the Maroons, with the Queensland Rugby League determined to cultivate a new wave of coaches to ensure the Sunshine State’s long-term health in the code’s toughest arena.
If Slater’s record as a player is any barometer, Queensland’s Origin program is in safe hands.
During an Origin career that spanned 14 years, FOG No.142 Slater won 19 of 31 matches for a 61 per cent success rate.

Of the 12 series he featured in, Slater won nine Origin shields, establishing himself as Queensland’s greatest fullback who headlined the Maroons’ magical dynasty under Mal Meninga.
Now, with the Maroons smarting from their drama-charged 2-1 series loss this year, Queensland are crying out for another slice of Slater magic.
The 319-game NRL legend is under no illusions. Slater has never coached at the top level. He is jumping straight into the deep end.

But while there is a temptation to copy the styles of Queensland coaching legends Meninga and Wayne Bennett ­– and his legendary club mentor Craig Bellamy – Slater says he will trust his own instincts.
“It’s really important for me to be me. I can’t pretend to be a coach I’ve been coached by,” said the 38-year-old father of two.
“It remains to be seen what kind of coach I will be. I’ll certainly evolve as a coach.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved with some great coaches at NRL and State of Origin level and I’ve seen them evolve.
“It’s important I bring my strengths and the inexperience I have, making sure I’m propped up by people around me.
“I’ll bring a work ethic and passion. I feel I know the game as well as I’ve ever known it. Hopefully that’ll put me in good stead.”
A passionate Queenslander, the Innisfail-born Slater watched the 2021 Origin series from close quarters as an expert commentator for Channel 9.
Green’s only campaign as Queensland coach was highly turbulent to say the least.

The Maroons suffered the biggest loss in their history in the series opener, a 50-6 mauling in Origin’s debut in Townsville.
Then came a 26-0 Blues shutout at Suncorp, the home of Queensland rugby league, before the Maroons saved face in the dead-rubber with a 20-18 victory on the Gold Coast.
Slater has experienced pleasure and pain in Origin, and while he will take ultimate responsibility as Queensland’s head coach, he wants key Maroons players to have strong input on the team’s playing style in their revenge mission next season.
“This will be very much player-driven,” he said.
“The coaches will set up a framework and structure, but the players need to buy in and own it. It’s got to be theirs.
“The buck stops with the head coach, and I’m more than comfortable to be in that position.
“There’s debate about all things – selections, tactics. The players have a lot of say in the way we play as well.
“We’re dealing with the best players in the world. They need to believe in their game plan.”
Those who know Slater well aren’t surprised he has made a move into the coaching sphere.
As a player, the former Australian Test fullback was regarded as a tireless worker with tactical awareness and a relentless attention to detail.
Throw in a fierce competitive fire, and Slater has the ingredients to be a successful Origin coach.
“There were two things I kept falling back to – it’s important to me, and I care about Queensland,” he said.
“It’s a very prestigious position and comes with a lot of responsibilities.
“I grew up in far north Queensland and this team inspired me as a kid. Then I became a player that inspired others.

“Now I get an opportunity to help guide the current and future Maroons to inspire their state.
“I never thought of coaching throughout my playing days. I didn’t have aspirations to be an NRL coach, and I still don’t.
“This position looks like it’s big and scary, but you’ve got to put it in context.
“I’m not teaching a group of doctors to do brain surgery. I’m teaching footballers to play football, and trying to coach them.
“We’re working with the best footballers in the country.
“Football is what I know best, and I’m very comfortable with that. I’ve got to make sure I keep it in context and not let the overwhelming interest in the position take over.”
Slater is acutely aware Queensland don’t have the playing depth of the Blues. Of the NRL’s 480 contracted players, only around 20 per cent are eligible for Queensland.
But for 41 years, the Maroons have punched above their weight. Slater knows Queensland have talent in the right areas to land more knockout blows.
“Queensland has never had the numbers to pick from like NSW,” he said.
“My job is to get our best players playing their best football in that arena. That will be a challenge for myself and the coaching staff.
“We’ve got some great players in the development systems and emerging players already playing in the NRL.
“The QRL are looking to put in a structure in and around those pathways and development.
“But we feel our best at our best is good. I’m very comfortable with that.”