Maroons Coaching Search Suffers Double Setback as Smith and Walters Rule Themselves Out

The Queensland Maroons are facing a double blow in their search for a new State of Origin coach, with former captain Cameron Smith and long-time coach Kevin Walters both withdrawing from contention. This leaves Billy Slater's former assistants, Matt Ballin and Ben Te'o, as the frontrunners to take over the prestigious coaching role.

Smith, who was initially considered the frontrunner and had received endorsements from Queensland captain Cameron Munster and Wayne Bennett, announced his decision on Nine's 100% Footy. He stated that his personal circumstances have not changed since he stepped away from an assistant coaching role after 2023, indicating he could not fully commit to the head coaching position at this time.

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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.

Kevin Walters, who led Queensland to two series wins between 2016 and 2019, also confirmed he would not be returning to the Maroons job. He has committed to fulfilling his two-year contract as the head coach of Australia's Test team, the Kangaroos, following the World Cup.

With Smith and Walters out, the focus shifts to Ballin, who has served as Slater's assistant since 2023 and is highly regarded within Queensland rugby league circles. Te'o, another former assistant to Slater and a key figure in the Broncos' defense during their premiership run, also emerges as a strong candidate. Other potential options include Anthony Seibold, who has previously served as a Maroons assistant.

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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.