Billy Slater has confirmed that he will no longer coach the Queensland Maroons and will not return for the 2027 State of Origin series, opening up the door for someone to step up into his place.

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Handed the coaching reins ahead of the 2022 series, Slater led the Maroons to three series wins in five years.

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“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,” Slater said.

“I want to thank the players, this group gave everything for the jersey, for each other and our State, and I’m proud of what we’ve built together.

“Being a Queenslander has always been a huge part of who I am, and that will never change.”

The bombshell decision by Slater has already sparked speculation over who will be entrusted with leading Queensland into a new era in 2027.

Here, foxsports.com.au breaks down the major contenders to become the new head coach of the QLD Maroons.

Slater steps down as QLD Maroons coach | 02:06

ANTHONY SEIBOLD

Although he is an outside option, Seibold has already been part of a successful Queensland era, having worked as an assistant coach under Kevin Walters during the 2016 and 2017 Origin series.

His experience at both Origin and NRL level – where he has coached the Rabbitohs, Broncos and Sea Eagles – gives him the credentials to step into the role and replace Billy Slater.

Seibold has a strong understanding of what it takes to coach at the highest level, having worked with some of the game’s biggest stars and he has the ability to quickly establish a system in a limited timeframe as one of the smartest minds in rugby league.

Anthony Seibold.Source: Getty Images

BEN TE’O

A member of Queensland’s coaching staff for this year’s Origin series, Te’o has quickly established himself as a promising coach and is a left-field option to succeed Billy Slater.

Previously working as the Broncos defence coach – and linked with a move to the Rabbitohs coaching staff for 2027 – he played a key role in their 2025 premiership campaign where he worked under Michael Maguire and alongside Trent Barrett and Matt Ballin.

He holds close ties to several members of the current Maroons playing group and would be able to bring the best out of them, especially in defence – an area where his experience could prove invaluable to the Maroons.

“Ben is a proud Queenslander,” Slater said in the past.

“He’s lived it as a player and he has a true passion to coach. I’m really excited to have him involved.”

Ben Te’o.Source: News Corp Australia

CAMERON SMITH

He may not have been a member of the Maroons coaching setup for the past three series – stepping down ahead of the 2204 series – but Smith has already emerged as the early favourite to succeed Billy Slater.

Earmarked as a future Origin coach for a number of years, the NRL’s most capped player featured in 42 appearances for the state during his playing days and would bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role.

“I really didn’t think Billy would step down this year, so I haven’t thought about it,” Smith said on 2GB’s Sports Today on Friday.

“But it’s something definitely to consider. I’m a lot like Billy, I love the state of Queensland, the people and the jersey.”

Smith’s understanding of the Origin system is unparalleled, while his current role as an advisor to the Broncos has given him valuable coaching experience.

“There are a number of great former players who may not want to coach full-time in the NRL, but would consider coaching the Queensland team,” former QRL Chairman Bruce Hatcher said in 2021.

“We need to plan for the future, and there’s some potential Origin coaches coming through like Billy Slater, Justin Hodges and of course Cameron Smith.

“Cameron has a wonderful football brain, so if he wanted to coach, I have no doubt he would be successful in that regard as well.”

Cameron Smith.Source: Supplied

JOHNATHAN THURSTON

Like Smith, Thurston would be a logical option to take over Slater given he has worked as an assistant coach for the Maroons since 2021.

He also knows everything about performing in the Origin arena, having represented Queensland 37 times between 2005 and 2017.

Thurston was a core piece of the iconic Maroons side that won eight straight series and was the definition of consistency in the Origin arena, holding the record for the most consecutive Origin appearances with 36.

While Thurston has previously not expressed interest in a head coaching role with the Maroons, he would have the footy nous to take on the added responsibility.

Slater revealed on his podcast earlier this year that he drew on Thurston’s knowledge when Ben Te’o floated the idea of playing Max Plath in the halves if either Cameron Munster or Sam Walker were forced from the field, as was the case in Game 2.

“I actually called Johnathan Thurston the day of the game in the afternoon. He came up to my room and we sat down for a good couple of hours and we went over all our contingencies again and this was one we spoke about,” Slater said at the time.

“It just happened to come to fruition and we had to make that play.”

Johnathan Thurston.Source: AAP

JOSH HANNAY

Before taking over the head coaching reins of the Gold Coast Titans this year, Hannay was widely considered the leading candidate to replace Slater as Queensland coach.

A former two-time Maroons representative, Hannay worked as Queensland assistant for five years, including four series under Slater, giving him an intimate understanding of the Origin setup.

However, his appointment at the Titans may have complicated his chances.

While he would have no trouble slotting back into the Origin arena, it’s hard to imagine the job will be handed to a current club coach considering the demands of balancing an NRL season with the responsibilities that come with coaching at representative level.

“He’s been a real rock for me in terms of the last four years at State of Origin level, I have leant on him immensely,” Slater said on his Billy Slater Podcast in 2025.

“He really understands the game, he sees the game really well, he’s got great philosophies.

“I’ve got great respect for Josh, I’ve got great appreciation for what he’s done for myself and this footy team over the last four years… even before that, he was involved before I was the head coach.”

Josh Hannay.Source: Supplied

KEVIN WALTERS

The coach who led Queensland to back-to-back Origin series victories in 2016 and 2017 could Walters be in line for a sensational return to the Maroons head coaching job?

The former Brisbane Broncos and current Australian Kangaroos coach has already proven that he can succeed in the Origin arena and his experience could make him an appealing option.

Walters has also made it clear in the past that he does not see himself as the long-term coach of the Kangaroos beyond the upcoming World Cup.

This means a return to the Origin arena could offer him a fast-track back into the NRL coaching ranks.

“You never knock your state back if they want a hand to help out. It’s a good Queensland side there,” Walters said on Fox League on Friday night.

“I loved coaching Queensland, it’s a great job and a job that I took with great honour as well.

“But we will see what happens, I’ve got my hands full with a World Cup coming up.”

Kevin Walters.Source: AAP

MATT BALLIN

An assistant coach of the Maroons for the past three series (2024, 2025 and 2026), Ballin has emerged as another favourite to succeed Billy Slater.

Seen as a coach-in-waiting, Ballin is one of the hottest coaching prospects in the game, having worked at the Broncos for a number of years after previously serving as Under-20 and NSW Cup at the Sea Eagles.

Coming close to being named Manly’s head coach this year, Ballin already knows the Maroons system and has close ties to several players.

He has a strong understanding of the foundations of the current setup while also being able to put his own spin on the team, making him an appealing option to lead Queensland.

“He’s a great coach, he’s done a lot of great things for us at the Broncs, and he leads by example week to week – he’s got a big future,” Broncos captain Adam Reynolds said at the start of the year.

“He does all the little things right, he understands the game – he’s played at the top level for a long time – and he’s done his apprenticeship under a few different coaches now, so he knows different styles as well and how to get the best out of players.”

Matt Ballin.Source: Getty Images

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Other options include Maroons assistant Nate Myles and the Walker brothers – Ben and Shane – who boast strong backgrounds and experience.

However, they are likely to be viewed as outsiders for the role, with the Maroons expected to favour the more established candidates above.

“Myles coach? Put him in, put him in, put him in,” Luke Keary said on Triple M.

Meanwhile, former Queensland legends Greg Inglis and Cooper Cronk may also be floated as potential candidates, although both are more likely to work in an advisory or assistant coaching role rather than as head coach.

“I want to see Cooper Cronk do it. I can sort of see him coach,” Keary added.

Cooper Cronk, Cameron Smith and Billy Slater. Picture: Brett CostelloSource: News Corp Australia