Slater moves closer to Origin job with expert help likely
STORM legend Billy Slater is on the verge of clinching the Queensland Origin job as part of a team that could include a senior mentor such as Wayne Bennett or Mal Meninga.
A subcommittee has recommended Slater as the preferred candidate to the Queensland Rugby League board, which will decide whether to formally appoint the Maroons fullback icon as Paul Green’s coaching successor.
It is understood the QRL will unveil Queensland’s new coach by Friday as part of a strategic plan involving a cultural program to fix the Maroons’ coaching crisis and develop the next generation of mentors.
The QRL is concerned about the Maroons’ dearth of future coaches and the installation of Slater is viewed as the first step in cultivating fresh blood.
Slater has yet to engage in formal negotiations with the QRL, but it appears the job is his if he wants it.
QRL bosses are open to a three-year contract for Slater, who would be offered the option of senior support from an Origin coaching icon such as Bennett or Meninga during his embryonic years as a Maroons mentor.
Slater almost secured the Maroons post this season after a QRL faction pushed for the 31game Origin great, only for Maroons powerbrokers to opt for the experience of premiership coach Green.
But Green’s reluctance to commit to Queensland for the long haul has again opened the door for Slater, who is poised for the Maroons hot seat just three years after his NRL retirement from the Melbourne Storm.
QRL director Darryl Van de Velde declined to comment on Slater’s prospects, but said Queensland hierarchy must develop fresh coaching talent to prepare for life after Bennett and Meninga.
“It’s important for State of Origin that we develop the next generation of coaches,” he said.
“It was embarrassing what happened last year, we were well beaten, and we need some mentoring for our coaches from people who understand the culture of Queensland in the Origin arena.”