Queensland rugby league great Billy Slater has been confirmed as the coach of the Queensland Maroons for the next two years.
The Dally M and Clive Churchill Medal winner represented Queensland in 31 State of Origin matches over a 15-year career.
The much-anticipated decision to replace Paul Green as Maroons coach was confirmed by Queensland Rugby League this morning.
Slater, who has been working as a Maroons selector and mentor, said it was a great honour to be named coach.
"I'm very honoured to be able to have been involved with the Queensland State of Origin team," he said.
"Firstly as a supporter when I was a young boy, inspired by the team, then I got the opportunity to play for Queensland and be one of those players, and now I get the chance to help guide and help bring through the next generation.
In addition to his Origin career, Slater represented Australia in 30 league test matches and played 323 games for the Melbourne Storm.
He retired in 2018 with two premierships wins with the Melbourne Storm, having scored 190 tries for the club, the second-highest tally in an Australian first-grade career.
Slater to build coaching team of 'successful' Queenslanders
Slater, who hails from Innisfail, said he was looking forward to surrounding himself with a coaching team that could lead the Maroons to success.
"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," he said.
"I thought it was important that I had to commit first, then we'll put the pieces of the puzzle together.
"Over the next little period, we'll build a support staff around the players that will best assist the players to play at their optimal."
Paul Green had only been in the job for one year, but was under a cloud after this year's 2-1 series loss that started with a 50-6 thrashing in game one.
Incoming Queensland Rugby League chief executive Rohan Sawyer said Slater was the standout option to take the reins of the team.
"We're delighted to secure the services of such a passionate Queenslander, and we're now very much looking forward to planning for the future and providing as much support for Billy as possible to help set him up for success," Mr Sawyer said.
"The all-round education he can provide to our playing group is exciting, and his technical thinking offers another element as well."
