South Sydney Rabbitohs head coach Wayne Bennett has confirmed he isn't about to put his hat into the ring for the QLD Maroons job, but admitted he would consider it if asked.
The Rabbitohs boss last coached the Maroons in 2020, taking a team widely dubbed as the worst Queensland team of all-time to a famous series victory.
Instead, Bennett, speaking at a media oppoortunity on Friday, suggested Darius Boyd is the man for the job.
“I have a lot of time for Darius. He's done a great job at the Queensland under-19s. He won the last two series, so yeah, he's a very capable person,” he said.
“You're always asking yourself are you ready for something, but when are you really ready? Particularly with coaching, it's a tough gig and when the opportunity comes, you've got to grab it. So if he gets the opportunity, I'm sure he'll take it.”
Boyd is the current Queensland under-19 coach and confirmed this week that he would indeed be interested in taking over from Slater.
Ben Te'o was considered the front-runner, but is set to join Bennett at South Sydney, while uncertainty also lingers with Kevin Walters confirming he would take over St Helens.
Darren Lockyer, Johnathan Thurston and Cameron Smith have all indicated they aren't interested, while Cooper Cronk is on the selection panel.
Bennett could yet find himself asked to coach, and admitted he would do what's needed if Queensland came knocking.
“Not really,” he replied when asked if he was interested.
“But if they need me, I'll go.
“I think they can get some young guys there that can do the job, so I won't let Queensland down. If we can't get what they want, I'll give it a fair bit of consideration. I'm not looking for the job.
“I don't know what the rules are, but I was an NRL coach in 2020 when I coached them, so I don't think Queensland play by the same rules as the NRL do in that regard.”
Queensland are unlikely to make an announcement on their next coach anytime soon, but have acknowledged a process is underway.
