Billy Slater will not be rushed by the Queensland Rugby League to confirm his interest in continuing as coach of the Maroons, chief executive Ben Ikin says.
Slater’s deal with the State of Origin team is set to expire at the end of 2026, with the former superstar fullback yet to confirm whether he will continue in the top job.
Ikin has made it clear the QRL is eager to retain Slater, who’s led the Maroons to three series victories in four years.
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But the QRL boss confirmed the pair had not yet begun talks about his future.
“I’ve had the conversation with him and I have said, ‘I am here when you are ready to start the conversation’,” Ikin said, according to AAP.
Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater. Getty
“It will happen on his terms. If he wants it to happen before the series we can start the conversation then, but my sense is that he will want to keep his entire focus on getting it right across those three games.
“We will then catch up and see what the next chapter looks like.”
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Still, Ikin is confident Slater wants to stick around.
“Unless anything goes wrong or he changes his mind materially, I expect Billy to throw everything into this year’s series,” he said.
“And hopefully win it again and then go around again next year.
“Billy has been magnificent to work with and is deeply passionate about the cause. He knows how important that Maroons team is to Queensland.”
Xavier Coates of the Maroons celebrates scoring a try with teammates. Getty
Ikin emphasised the importance of “stability in head coaching” across all levels of the game and the benefits that came with one figure staying in a role for a prolonged period.
One of the key benefits he noted was the development of a consistent team environment, with the energy built by the coach and the players.
Queensland and NSW will this season be able to select players that once were not eligible to play in the State of Origin arena.
The eligibility change confirmed players who had elected to represent any tier one nation (England or New Zealand) but had lived in NSW or Queensland prior to their 13th birthday, or had a father play for either state, could play in Origin.
For the Maroons, that could see the inclusion of Jason Taumalolo, AJ Brimson and Briton Nikora.
Ikin admitted he was keen to “see how that (eligibility change) plays out”.
“You just want as many quality coaches, players and staff lining up to want to be part of this team.”