Billy Slater has decisively ruled out the possibility of becoming the next head coach of the Brisbane Broncos following Kevin Walters’ departure. Despite his name being immediately raised as a contender after the news broke on Thursday night, the former Melbourne Storm star made it clear he has no interest in the role.
Currently serving as Queensland’s State of Origin coach, a position he has held for the past three seasons, Slater is a highly sought-after figure. Broncos supporters were hopeful he might step into the head coaching role, but speaking on Triple M radio Friday morning, Slater dismissed the speculation.
“That won’t be happening,” Slater stated during the ‘Triple M Breakfast with Margaux, Marto and Dan’ show. “I’m sure Dave Donaghy and the team at the Broncos will explore all their options and they probably already have someone in mind. There’ll be plenty of candidates, given the talent in the squad and the fact that they reached the grand final last year.”
Slater reiterated his lack of interest in becoming a full-time NRL coach, citing the flexibility he enjoys as Queensland coach, which allows him more time with his family and to maintain media commitments, including his role with Channel 9.
“I’m fully committed to Queensland, and if I’m not coaching them, I won’t be coaching anyone else,” Slater said earlier this year. “It’s not the pressure of the NRL job that deters me, but the sheer commitment. Being an NRL coach is a 24/7, 11-month-a-year role. After two decades in the NRL, I understand what it takes, and where I am in my life right now, I don’t see myself stepping into that role anytime soon.”
Although Slater has previously been linked to coaching positions, including a rumored interest from Parramatta when the Eels parted ways with Brad Arthur, it is believed that he would only consider a full-time role if it were with his former club, the Melbourne Storm.