The Queensland Maroons are officially looking for a new coach after Billy Slater decided to step away from the clipboard ahead of the 2027 series.
His decision has been speculated for some time, although it was probably assumed he would keep going for another series despite losing a second home decider in three years this year.
Despite the loss, the QRL had made their view clear - they wanted Slater to continue.
That won't be happening though, and like their New South Wales counterparts, the QRL will now need a new boss for 2027.
There are plenty of options, although the bulk of the obvious list have very little in the way of head coaching experience.
Here are the seven names most likely to be in the mix for the Queensland job in 2027.
7. Nathan Fien
We start the list of prospects at Redcliffe, where Nathan Fien has been quietly going about his work at the Dolphins within Kristian Woolf's set-up.
Fien, a hard-working dummy half and forward throughout his career, was one of the game's quiet achievers, but brought plenty in work ethic and tenacity to every team he played in.
The Mount Isa born product played one game for Queensland during his career, but was a 22-time New Zealand representative, and won a premiership with the St George Illawarra Dragons under Wayne Bennett in 2010.
Fien has been with the Dolphins since their inaugural season, and would be a tremendous option for Queensland where he would undoubtedly bring the same work ethic and drive he held as a player.
