Maroons search for new Origin coach suffers double setback
Billy Slater's old pair of assistants in Matt Ballin and Ben Te'o loom as the two leading candidates to take over as Queensland coach, after Cameron Smith and Kevin Walters rule themselves out of the race.
Queensland men's State of Origin coaching vacancy has seen Cameron Smith and Kevin Walters withdraw from the race. Billy Slater's old assistants, Matt Ballin and Ben Te'o, are considered the leading candidates. Smith ruled himself out after Wayne Bennett endorsed him. Walters also confirmed he would not return to the Maroons, ending speculation about him stepping down from his role as Australia's Test coach. Ballin, who has served as Slater's assistant since 2023, and Te'o are now the top contenders.
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