Who could become the next Maroons coach?

Straight off the news of Billy Slater stepping down as Queensland coach, Justin Horo and Reni Maitua have named three potential candidates for the now vacant job.

On Friday afternoon, the QRL confirmed that after five series in charge and three series wins, the legendary fullback would no longer be in charge of the state side.  

In a statement, Slater expressed his gratitude at being able to serve in the role.

But with the 43-year-old now departing, the Maroons are on the hunt for their 14th coach since 1980.

Reacting to the news live on SEN’s The Run Home with Joel and Fletch, Horo and Maitua threw up some possible names of who could be considered for the position.

Maitua: “I’ll go Nate Myles.”

Horo: “Nate Myles, even though he's not coaching anywhere currently?”

Maitua: “He'd have the support staff. He doesn't have to worry about any TV commitments.

“I know he's got life outside of football, but I think he'd be a great Queensland coach, given he'd have (Jonathan) Thurston there as well.

“But he'd have far more time to be able to observe, week in, week out, rugby league, what's New South Wales doing, what Queensland players are doing.

“So I think Nate Myles could be a name tossed up.”

Horo:  “I'm just trying to think of some of the other assistant coaches.”

“Matt Ballin has been a part of the staff over the last couple of years.

“All that news around Ben Te'o, he was on the staff again this year, so Ben Te'o would be another, I think short-priced candidate to be honest.”

With Slater’s departure, it will mean that Queensland and NSW will have new coaches for the 2027 series, with the Blues appointing Matt King to replace Laurie Daley.

Next year’s series will see games played at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Auckland’s Eden Park for the first time and Accor Stadium in Sydney.