Queensland Maroons legend Cameron Smith has broken his silence on the vacant head coaching role of the sunshine state following the bombshell call of Billy Slater to step down from the helm.
The most-capped Queenslander ever admitted he will "consider" taking on the role as he remains a fan-favourite to be the one to take charge from Slater.
Smith has ongoing media commitments with Channel Nine, and whether he would like to face the pressures that come with coaching the highly anticipated three-game series is yet to be made known.
Reports from CODE Sports reveal Smith, Johnathan Thurston, Matt Ballin and Ben Te'o are all on the QRL's wishlist to take over as head coach, with the latter two being involved as assistants under Slater during this year's series.
Smith said it was a consideration to take on board and admitted his love for the state may get him over the line.
"I really didn't think Billy would step down this year, so I haven't thought about it," Smith told 2GB's Sports Today on Friday.
"But it's something definitely to consider. I'm a lot like Billy, I love the state of Queensland, the people and the jersey."
Slater stepping down came as a massive shock to many following the Maroons' series defeat at Suncorp in Game 3, but the 43-year-old has decided that now is the right time for the sunshine state to have a change.
"From being a boy who idolised this team, to a player, to guiding a group that has inspired our state, this has been one of the most rewarding things I've done in my life," Slater said in a QRL statement.
"I want to thank the players, this group gave everything for the jersey, for each other and our state, and I'm proud of what we've built together. Being a Queenslander has always been a huge part of who I am, and that will never change."
Thurston has shut down any chance of him being Slater's successor, admitting he has too much on his plate to take on the stresses of leading Queensland into battle.
"No, that's a no," Thurston responded with a laugh on Nine's match coverage on Friday.
"I actually said something on air about the news, and my wife called me about two minutes later."
Smith and Thurston shared the field together in a golden era of Maroons dominance, achieving outstanding success at the representative level. It has left many to believe Thurston would have what it takes to take on the gig.
The NSW Blues also had a change of guard after the series, with Laurie Daley stepping down as head coach and assistant Matt King being elevated into the role for 2027.
Both new coaches of the rival states will experience a unique situation in 2027 when State of Origin is played outside of Australia for the first time professionally.
Game 2 of the series will be played at Auckland's Eden Park across the Tasman, rewarding New Zealand fans for the outstanding support shown with the Warriors.
The QRL is likely to announce a new head coach before the end of this year to give as much preparation time as possible to reclaim the shield and take it north of the border.
