Queensland coach Billy Slater has apologized for remarks that created uncertainty about his future with the State of Origin team, aiming to reassure fans and the Queensland Rugby League (QRL). Slater stated that Wednesday night's Origin decider would not be his final game in charge.
Last week, Slater expressed a preference for his coaching future to operate on a handshake agreement, allowing for flexibility rather than a formal contract. This approach led to widespread headlines and speculation that he might step down after the current series. However, on Tuesday, Slater clarified his position, stating, "No," when asked if Wednesday's game could be his last.
"I said what I said on day one of camp, but it's probably been blown out of proportion. It's just how I feel," Slater said. "I could be standing here in five years' time doing the same thing. I love this position. I love what it means. I love the group of men in that dressing room right now preparing for a game of football and I enjoy helping them prepare. I don't anticipate not being here next year."
Outgoing QRL chief executive Ben Ikin echoed sentiments that Slater is expected to remain in his role. "At this stage, I think from both sides, everything's feeling really positive," Ikin said. He added that while the QRL's review of the 2026 series might extend beyond his own tenure, which ends in July, the organization hopes Slater will continue. "I think he's the right guy, I think just about everybody in the organisation thinks he's the right guy."
Slater, a legendary former fullback, has coached the Maroons to three State of Origin series wins in four attempts. His current contract is set to expire this year.
Maroon's captain Cameron Munster expressed support for Slater, stating, "there's no better person for the job." He acknowledged that the decision rests with Slater and the QRL, but added, "He still loves Queensland and still has a passion for it. If he and the QRL can come to an agreement, great."
Beyond his role with Queensland, Slater has also been linked as a potential successor to Craig Bellamy as head coach of the Melbourne Storm. Bellamy's long-term contract with the Storm expires at the end of 2028, and he was recently diagnosed with a neurodegenerative condition. It is unlikely Slater could simultaneously hold both coaching positions.
Ikin acknowledged Slater's desire to focus on one series at a time. "His reasoning is sound, he just wants to completely give himself to one series at a time," Ikin said. "So we'll get through this series, we'll review it with Billy and his role in it, and then just sit down and have a mature conversation. At this stage, everything suggests that he will coach on next year. But this then allows both of us to just take this one series at a time."