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.
1. Matt Ballin
Maybe the most likely of any on this list, Ballin seems a natural successor in the State of Origin environment.
He almost wasn't an option after being widely considered a lock to take over at the Manly Sea Eagles from Anthony Seibold before interim coach Kieran Foran excelled and completed one of the fastest transitions into leading a club in the game's history.
Ballin, now 42, is a Sea Eagles legend like Foran, but was born in Queensland, and would have had a long career with the Maroons if Cameron Smith wasn't the man ahead of him.
Instead he only played one game for his state, with Ballin since going into coaching where he has spent time at both the Manly Sea Eagles and Brisbane Broncos.
He has been part of the Queensland set-up since 2024, knows the players and the systems, and would be an easy natural successor.
