Billy Slater Linked With Possible NRL Move After State of Origin as Broncos Rumours Grow

Billy Slater’s future with Queensland has become one of the biggest talking points around State of Origin, with fresh speculation linking the Maroons coach to a possible move into the NRL.

The Queensland great has yet to publicly commit to staying in his current role beyond the Origin series, fuelling talk that he could be ready for a new challenge at club level.

According to Nine, the Brisbane Broncos are expected to seek a “quiet chat” with Slater once the Origin campaign is over, as uncertainty grows around both his future and the direction of several NRL clubs.

Slater’s Future Remains Unclear

Slater has built a strong reputation since stepping into the Queensland coaching role, guiding the Maroons to three series wins from four attempts.

However, his refusal to make a firm call on his long-term future has sparked growing interest from clubs who may be watching closely in case he decides to walk away from Origin.

If Slater does become available, he is expected to attract major attention across the NRL, with his leadership, football intelligence and winning pedigree making him one of the most appealing coaching figures in the game.

Broncos Reportedly Keeping a Close Eye

The Broncos have now been linked with a possible move for Slater, despite their recent premiership success.

Brisbane’s current form has become a major concern, with coach Michael Maguire overseeing a difficult run that has reportedly included eight straight losses. The club’s hopes of reaching the finals are fading, and pressure is growing as the season continues to slip away.

While no formal move has been confirmed, the Broncos could be keen to refresh their coaching direction — and may want to act quickly if they believe other clubs are also circling Slater.

Storm Connection Adds Another Layer

Brisbane are not the only club being mentioned in connection with Slater.

The Melbourne Storm have also been heavily linked with their former superstar, particularly amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding Craig Bellamy’s long-term future.

Slater’s connection to Melbourne runs deep. He spent 15 years with the Storm, playing 319 games and winning two premierships during a glittering career that made him one of the greatest fullbacks in rugby league history.

A return to the Storm in a coaching role would be a powerful storyline, but any potential move would depend on several factors — including Bellamy’s future and Slater’s own willingness to step into the demands of full-time NRL coaching.

Queensland Still Hopeful He Will Stay

Despite the rumours, Queensland remain hopeful Slater will continue in his Origin role.

Queensland Rugby League boss Ben Ikin has made it clear that no final decision will be made until after the series is complete, with both sides expected to sit down and review the campaign before discussing the future.

“The process will be he coaches out the series, we sit down and review the series together, we give our feedback and he gives his. Then, we jointly make a decision,” Ikin told Nine.

“At this stage, with one game to go, it all feels very positive.”

For now, Slater’s immediate focus remains on Queensland and the final stages of the Origin series. But once the campaign ends, attention will quickly turn to whether he stays with the Maroons — or takes the next major step in his coaching career.