Regarding his prospects of becoming a full-time NRL coach, the legendary Melbourne Storm player has taken a significant decision.
Amid calls for the Parramatta Eels to try to recruit him, Billy Slater has stated he has no desire to be a full-time NRL coach and give up valuable time with his young family. This week, the Eels fired longtime coach Brad Arthur, and Michael Maguire and Slater, both State of Origin mentors, have been connected to the position.
According to reports, Maguire is very interested in the Parramatta position, but Slater was seen more as a long shot than a serious contender. The Queensland Maroons coach, however, quickly put an end to the rumours on Thursday afternoon by telling the Courier Mail that he had no intention of accepting the position at Eels.
Compared to a full-time NRL employment, the 40-year-old claimed he is delighted working with the Maroons because it lets him to spend more time with his wife and children. “I’m all in for the Queensland job, and I won’t be coaching anyone else if I’m not coaching Queensland,” Slater declared.
It’s not so much the workload from working for the NRL. That doesn’t worry me at all. But becoming an NRL coach requires a lot of dedication; the job is done seven days a week for 11 months of the year. I have spent more than 20 years in and around the NRL environment. I recognise the amount of work and dedication those NRL coaches put in.
“Given my current circumstances and my family, I don’t see myself coaching in the NRL anytime soon. Perhaps in the future—you never know—but for now, I’m here to contribute to Queensland. I enjoy my work here, and I’m not a coach at all if I’m not leading Queensland.
Slater has a contract with Queensland that runs until 2026, thus it’s unlikely that he would accept a position with any other NRL team save the Melbourne Storm. It was recently revealed by Craig Bellamy that he will remain Storm coach through 2025. Assistant Jason Ryles has also been connected to a position with the Eels.
Leading journalist James Hooper stated this week, “The Melbourne Storm is the only club I could ever see Billy coaching.” “And that’s if he has a desire whatsoever to coach in the NRL – which at this point with all his media commitments, all his other commitments in life, I don’t think he does.”
