Billy Slater appointed new Queensland head coach

Correspondent
Billy Slater in action for Queensland

Billy Slater in action for Queensland

Former Melbourne, Queensland and Australia full-back Billy Slater has been appointed as head coach of the Maroons for the next two years.

The 38-year-old Slater, who played for Queensland in 31 State of Origin matches, takes over from Paul Green, who was in the post for just a year. Since hanging up his boots in 2018, Slater has worked as a commentator, Maroons selector and mentor.He said: “It’s a great honour to be the Queensland coach. I was drawn to the role because I care and because it’s important to me.

“At the end of the day, I’m a Queenslander. This team means a lot to me. It always has.

“It has been a big part of my life for the majority of my life and now I get the opportunity to help other people, not only fulfil their dream, but inspire a whole state.”

Billy Slater, who won 30 caps for the Kangaroos, has little experience of coaching and is expected to turn to former Queensland team-mates Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston for his support team. Moreover, Wayne Bennett has been touted for a possible mentoring role.

He added: “It would be irresponsible not to lean on some great people around the Queensland State of Origin team that have been there in the past, that have been successful.

“I thought it was important that I had to commit first, then we’ll put the pieces of the puzzle together.”

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NRL Billy Slater