NRL
Billy Slater has stepped down as Queensland Maroons coach, bringing a shock end to his five-season tenure in charge of the State of Origin side.
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Queensland Rugby League confirmed on Friday that Slater will not return for the 2027 series, with the organisation now set to begin the process of finding his successor.
Slater took over ahead of the 2022 series and leaves with an impressive Origin record, guiding Queensland to three series victories and two defeats across his five campaigns in charge.
His first two series ended in triumph, with the Maroons winning back-to-back 2-1 series victories in 2022 and 2023, before NSW fought back to claim the 2024 series.
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Queensland responded by reclaiming the Shield in 2025, but Slater’s final campaign ended in disappointment as the Maroons surrendered the series after losing the opening game before winning Game Two and forcing a decider.
That decider ultimately proved to be Slater’s final game in charge, with NSW producing a dominant 30-12 victory at Suncorp Stadium to claim the 2026 series and leave Queensland searching for answers after entering as heavy favourites.
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Slater has also played an important role in developing a new generation of Queensland representatives while maintaining the standards and traditions associated with the Maroons jersey.
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QRL chairman Brian Canavan paid tribute to Slater’s contribution to Queensland rugby league, highlighting the impact he made both as a legendary player and as coach.
Slater said the decision had not been made lightly but ultimately believed the time was right to walk away from the position.
Slater’s departure marks the end of another remarkable chapter in his association with the Maroons, having first represented Queensland as a player before eventually taking control of the team from the coaches’ box.
The 43-year-old now leaves Queensland searching for a new coach to lead the next generation, with the Maroons facing a new era after Slater’s unexpected decision to walk away.
It will also mean both states head into the 2027 Origin series with new coaches, after NSW appointed Matt King to replace Laurie Daley following Daley’s own decision to step down.
The QRL will now begin the process of appointing Slater’s replacement ahead of the 2027 State of Origin series.
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