Smith Out, Who’s Next for Maroons | Australia News

Queensland’s Origin coaching search just got wilder: Billy Slater’s exit and Cameron Smith’s surprise withdrawal—despite being the obvious choice—have left the Maroons scrambling. Smith, rugby’s all-time Origin king, can’t commit even as an assistant, and he thought Slater would stay longer. With current Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters also out (can’t do both), and Johnathan Thurston stepping back, the field shrinks fast. Smith’s solution? Look to his own former staff—Ben Te’o and Matty Ballin—who’ve been immersed in Origin culture. Ballin, currently with the Broncos, might need to leave his job, like Matt King did for NSW. Queensland now faces a make-or-break moment: who can step up and steer the Maroons forward when the big names are all stepping aside? Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/8ad7c7921c1af047