By Wayne Heming
Billy Slater will continue to guide Queensland’s State of Origin fortunes until 2026 after agreeing to a three-year coaching extension with the Queensland Rugby League today.
A proud Queenslander, who represented his state 31 times, Slater understands what wearing the Maroon jumper means to all Queenslanders and what it should mean to anyone who pulls it on.
“It’s an incredible honour to be the Queensland coach. I’m excited about the journey that this current group of players and staff have embarked upon,” Slater said of his re-signing.
“I believe they are only getting started. From the very beginning, I was drawn to this role because I deeply understand the importance of this team to all Queenslanders.
“I’m a proud Queenslander and this team means a lot to me.
“It has been a massive part of my life and I’m extremely grateful to get the opportunity to help other people, not only fulfill their dream but inspire our state.”
After taking the Maroons to back-to-back series wins in his first two years, the QRL was eager to tie Slater down to the coaching role on a multi-year deal.
Slater’s re-signing is a huge boost for the QRL who went all out to get their man.
Recently appointed QRL Chief Executive Ben Ikin, who played 17 games for Queensland, described Slater’s decision to extend his coaching contract as: “a brilliant outcome” for the Origin program and for the future.
“Over the past two years we’ve witnessed a team that has made Queenslanders immensely proud and it is Billy’s vision and leadership driving that,” said Ikin.
“Our players are not only going to new levels on the field, but their commitment to engaging with the fans across the state has been first class.”
The 40-year-old former Melbourne, Queensland, and Australia fullback took over the job on short notice in 2022, clinching his first series with a 22-12 third-game victory at Suncorp Stadium.
This year, he won the opening two games of the series to go back-to-back.
Slater, who was a key part of the Maroons record eight-straight series wins, has wasted little time putting his own stamp on Origin, blooding nine players in his first two years at the helm.
He debuted Selwyn Cobbo (FOG#222), Reuben Cotter (FOG#223), Pat Carrigan (FOG#224) and Jeremiah Nanai(FOG225) in game one, Murray Taulagi (FOG#226) in game two and Tom Gilbert (FOG#227) and Tom Dearden (FOG#228) in game three of the 2022 series and Reece Walsh (FOG229) in game one and Corey Horsburgh (FOG#230) in game three this year.
Slater’s Origin rival remains uncertain with the NSW delaying a decision on whether Penrith legend Brad Fittler will keep the reins of the Blues again following two straight series losses.
But with such a young group of players coming through of the calibre of fullback Reece Walsh, winger Selwyn Cobbo, and forwards Cotter, Nanai, Flegler, Gilbert, Horsburgh, Harry Grant, and Pat Carrigan the Origin future looks very strong for Queensland.
