Queensland's Origin coaching hunt hits snags as two frontrunners emerge

The Queensland Maroons' search for a new State

The Queensland Maroons' search for a new State of Origin coach has encountered a fresh hurdle, with Cameron Smith and Kevin Walters both withdrawing from contention. The duo's decisions have reshaped the race, leaving two former assistants under Billy Slater—Matt Ballin and Ben Te'o—as the likely successors.

Smith, a legendary former Queensland captain, was widely seen as a natural fit for the role, having previously worked with the squad in a mentoring capacity. However, sources close to the 41-year-old indicate that he has opted to focus on his growing media and business commitments, ruling himself out of the running. Walters, who coached Queensland to a series win in 2022, has also pulled his name from the mix, reportedly preferring to concentrate on his current club responsibilities.

With those two heavyweights sidelined, attention has turned to Ballin and Te'o, both of whom served as assistants during Slater's tenure. Ballin, a former NRL hooker known for his meticulous preparation, has been praised for his tactical acumen and strong rapport with players. Te'o, a rugged ex-back-rower, brings a more fiery edge and a deep understanding of the Origin arena, having played 11 matches for Queensland. Both are considered strong candidates, though neither has head-coaching experience at this level.

The Queensland Rugby League is expected to accelerate

The Queensland Rugby League is expected to accelerate its interview process in the coming weeks, with a decision reportedly targeted before the end of the month. Insiders suggest that the final pick will hinge on each applicant's ability to maintain the high-performance culture Slater established, as well as their plans for handling player welfare and game-day strategy.

Meanwhile, the Maroons' playing group is said to be watching the developments closely, with some senior players privately voicing support for Ballin's structured approach, while others lean toward Te'o's man-management style. The new coach will face an immediate challenge: Queensland lost the 2024 series 2-1 to New South Wales, and expectations are high for a rebound in 2025. Whoever takes the reins will also need to integrate a crop of emerging talents, all while managing the always intense public scrutiny that comes with the role.