Slater ends Maroons coaching.
Billy Slater concludes five-season tenure as Queensland Maroons coach, prompting search for 2027 successor.
Key Points
Slater finished his Queensland coaching tenure with eight wins from 15 matches across five campaigns.
He replaced Paul Green ahead of the 2022 series.
Slater had signed a three-year extension in 2023.
The 2026 decider at Suncorp finished 30-12 to New South Wales, sealing Slater’s departure.
Matt King has been named to coach New South Wales, while Queensland will search for Slater’s successor for 2027.
Billy Slater has stepped down as Queensland Maroons coach after five seasons, ending a tenure that delivered three State of Origin series wins, according to Head Topics. The Queensland Rugby League has begun searching for his replacement ahead of the 2027 series.
Slater's exit follows a painful 2026 series decider. New South Wales beat Queensland 30-12 at Suncorp Stadium, sealing the Blues' series win and prompting Slater to walk away from the role he took on in 2022, News.com.au reported.
Five Seasons, Three Titles and a Tough Exit
Slater replaced Paul Green as Maroons coach ahead of the 2022 series. He hit the ground running, winning back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023. Queensland lost the shield in 2024, reclaimed it in 2025, then surrendered it again in 2026, Head Topics reported.
His final record sat at eight wins from 15 matches across five campaigns. That is a win rate of just over 53 percent. Slater had signed a three-year contract extension in 2023, but the 2026 decider loss at Suncorp proved to be his last game in charge, according to Gold Coast Bulletin.
Handshake Deal Hinted at an Early Departure
Despite holding a contract, Slater had signalled that his arrangement with the QRL was more of a handshake deal than a firm long-term commitment. That made his decision to leave less of a surprise to those inside the program, Head Topics noted.
The QRL acknowledged Slater's contribution both as a legendary player and as a coach who helped build the next generation of Maroons representatives. No replacement has been named yet. The search for a 2027 coach is now underway, Cairns Post reported.
Both States Now Face Coaching Transitions Before 2027
Queensland is not the only state rebuilding its coaching set-up. New South Wales has already moved forward by naming Matt King as their new coach, Head Topics reported. King takes over a Blues side that won the 2026 series decider 30-12.
Both appointments — King in New South Wales and whoever Queensland names — will shape the rivalry heading into 2027. The Maroons must now find a coach capable of ending NSW's latest Shield hold. The QRL faces a tight timeline to get the right person in place, according to News.com.au.
Slater's Legacy as Both Player and Coach Stands Firm
Slater is widely regarded as one of rugby league's greatest ever fullbacks. He won multiple NRL premierships and was a Maroons stalwart as a player. His move into coaching continued that connection to Queensland's Origin program.
Three series wins from five campaigns is a strong mark for any coach. The 2026 exit is a bitter note to finish on, but his back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023 cemented his place in Maroons history, Gold Coast Bulletin noted.
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