NRL

One of the Melbourne Storm’s biggest stars of the past decade has revealed a new theory on the NRL coaching future of Billy Slater. 

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Speaking on this week’s One Six Seven podcast, Ryan Papenhuyzen told co-hosts Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes that he believes the former Queensland Origin coach will coach the Storm — just not yet.

“I reckon he will (coach Melbourne) eventually,” Papenhuyzen declared of 43-year-old Slater.

“But I think it’ll be closer to when Jake’s going to play NRL.”

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The ‘Jake’ that Papenhuyzen is referring to is Billy Slater’s son Jake Slater who has already represented Victoria at halfback in the U15 and U16 divisions at the Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League (ASSRL) National Championships.

“I’m not putting any pressure on Jake, he’s obviously still young, but I’m saying if he’s a chance (of playing NRL) I think Billy would come back and do it,” Papenhuyzen said.

“But life’s too good at the moment, Origin coaches are under pressure — imagine the head coach of an NRL side?

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“He would have to give up everything.”

Injured Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes agreed.

“Yeah, I don’t reckon ‘Slatsy’ will coach us to be fair, I just can’t see it,” he said of the likelihood of his former Melbourne teammate taking over when Craig Bellamy retires at the end of 2027.

‘What is it? A participation award?’ Munster mocks plans for NRL bottom eight comp

Speaking on other recent issues, the Storm trio were also skeptical of reported plans to stage a 3rd/4th place playoff match before the NRL grand final or potentially run a competition for sides finishing outside the top eight.

“I’m not playing bottom eight. What is it? A participation award?” Cameron Munster laughed.

“The Consolation Cup!” joked Ryan Papenhuyzen.

Jahrome Hughes was just as unimpressed and declared there is only one way the game could ever convince players to prolong their seasons after bowing out of the premiership race.

“I think the only way you’ll be able to get players to actually want to do it is money,” Hughes said bluntly.

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