Current Queensland Maroons under-19 head coach Darius Boyd has officially thrown his hat in the ring to replace Billy Slater in the state's top job.
Slater earlier this week officially stepped down from his post with the Maroons after five series in charge, saying he felt it was the right time for someone else to take over.
Slater was immediately linked to the Melbourne Storm role that will be likely vacant at the end of 2027, but the former champion fullback clarified he had no interest in that role.
Names like Kevin Walters, Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston have all been floated for the vacant head coaching role, but the trio have already suggested they are out of the running.
Smith, who has been endorsed by Wayne Bennett for the job, said he was simply too busy to consider it.
“I've heard comments from Wayne Bennett (endorsing me) and I really appreciate the sentiments, but it's not the role for me at this current time,” Smith said on Channel Nine's 100% Footy.
“I was lucky enough to be involved in the camp with the players and Billy in 2022-23 and thoroughly enjoyed my time, but there was a reason I stepped away after 2023.
“I couldn't fully commit to the role and at the time that was an assistant coach, not head coach, and nothing in my life has changed.”
Walters meanwhile, who is the Australian coach, has also taken his name out of the running, confirming he has signed a two-year deal to coach Australia, and that he has no interest in returning to the State of Origin arena.
That has left the floor wide open for contenders to step up, with current assistants Ben Te'o and Matt Ballin naturally seen as the likely progressers.
The QRL, who will go through a process to select the next head coach which involves Cooper Cronk also taking him out of the running, are reportedly going to talk to a number of candidates including Anthony Seibold, but speaking to The Courier Mail, former Queensland Origin star Darius Boyd said he would certainly be open to a conversation.
“I'm definitely interested,” Boyd told the publication.
“I'm happy to have a conversation with the QRL if that's what they see fit.
“At the end of the day, it's their call.
“It's a big job that's with a lot of pride and a huge legacy, and if the QRL thought I was someone they were willing to discuss things with, then yes, I'd definitely be open to that conversation.
“I love the Queensland jumper and the people. It's a pleasure and opportunity I wouldn't take for granted, that's for sure.”
Boyd has been praised for his leadership of the junior Queensland side after a career that spanned 341 games across the Brisbane Broncos, St George Illawarra Dragons and Newcastle Knights, while he also scored 17 tries in 28 Origin matches for Queensland, and 16 tries in 23 Tests for Australia.
Boyd, who first spent time in the coaching game at the Broncos while Kevin Walters was in charge, is currently preparing for his second junior Origin match in charge.
