Breaking: Billy Slater to step down as Maroons' head coach

Billy Slater will step down as head coach of the Maroons after four years in the role, Queensland Rugby League (QRL) has announced. He will not return for the 2027 State of Origin series. Slater began coaching the Queensland side in 2022. While he said the decision was not made lightly, the 43-year-old felt the time was right to step away. "I want to thank the players, this group gave everything for the jersey, for each other and our State, and I'm proud of what we've built together," Slater said in a statement. "And to my fellow Queenslanders, thank you for the trust you put in me to be our coach. Being a Queenslander has always been a huge part of who I am, and that will never change." QRL chair Brian Canavan thanked Slater for his contribution to the Maroons and the game in Queensland. "His impact on our organisation and on Queenslanders everywhere will be felt long after his tenure as coach concludes," he said. Queensland Rugby League said it would commence a process to appoint the next Maroons Head Coach in due course. Loading [Image text:] RN LIA REAM A AMPOL WESTERN AUSTRALIA MALNGONADREAN CP MERT OF WESTERN AUSTRALI AL OADRE CON WESHERNSTRALSS AROONS Q XXXX