Billy Slater says he still doesn’t know if he’ll coach Queensland next year but admits the job “would be hard to walk away from”.
Speaking on Nine’s The Sunday Footy Show in the wake of the 30-12 loss to NSW in the State of Origin decider, the legendary fullback also heaped praise on the much-maligned Laurie Daley.
Billy Slater. Nine
Slater is trying to come to terms with losing two deciders at Suncorp Stadium in three years.
The 43-year-old, who has won three of five series since taking over as Maroons coach in 2022, was asked by NSW icon Andrew Johns if he would go around again next year.
“Not sure yet. I think I’ll just let the dust settle and sit down with the right people and make that decision,” Slater replied.
“There’s a lot of work that goes into it, and it’s a feeling thing. The reason I jumped into that position is because it meant the world to me, and it still does.
“The things I think about are the Queensland people and how much this team means to them, and then I think about that group of players. I’ve created a really good relationship with them individually, and also collectively as a team.
“So, knowing how much it means to them and what they put into it, that would be hard to walk away from.”
Slater revealed prior to game three his role as Maroons coach was “not a contract job”; rather, that he and the QRL were operating on a handshake basis.
Complicating matters is the fact Ben Ikin is poised to stand down as QRL CEO at the end of July.
“There’s a fair bit to think about,” Slater added on Sunday.
Daley defied a tidal wave of criticism in orchestrating the Blues’ Suncorp Stadium boilover.
There was a narrative that he had only been reappointed as Blues coach because of his friendship with NSWRL CEO Dave Trodden.
Daley was also targeted by a News Corp report which said his pre-game speeches were putting Blues players to sleep.
The Blues legend unloaded on his critics in an explosive post-game press conference, telling them to “show some balls” and have a “hard look at themselves”.
Daley hasn’t confirmed if he has finished as NSW coach, but it’s expected he won’t continue in the job.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Laurie,” Slater said.
“He was a player that I really looked up to when I was a kid watching the game.
“He’s a good man, isn’t he? I think we all understand that he’s a great guy who has a lot of respect for people. When you see that respect not received the opposite way, it’s hard to take.
“He was one guy that I made sure I went and saw on the field after the game to congratulate him. He’s worked long and hard for that role, and he’s been in that position before. To work your way through that adversity and then come out the other side – I’m sure he’s enjoying that moment right now.”
