BILLY SLATER WON’T SIGN EXTENSION CONTRACT AS MAROONS COACH
SOURCE: 7 NEWS
BILLY Slater has dropped a bomb on Queensland, revealing he won’t sign an extension to remain the Maroons coach beyond this year.
Slater is on the verge of leading Queensland to a fourth series victory in five years in charge, with the Maroons heavy favourites to take the decider at Suncorp Stadium in just over a week’s time.
Fronting the media on Monday after revealing his team for the series decider, the 43-year-old was asked if the game on July 8 could be his final in charge. Everyone expected him to say he would remain at the helm, but instead, Slater was noncommittal.
“I don’t think so, but I don’t know,” Slater said.
“I won’t be signing another contract. This is not a contract job for me.
“I really enjoy helping this group of men go and inspire our people of Queensland.
“When that changes, my position will change. Or if someone in the QRL decides there’s someone better for the job, I’m all for that as well.
“Whilst I’m here, I really enjoy helping these guys prepare for a game of footy and to go out there and help them inspire the people of Queensland.
“That’s what this team has given me when I was a kid. It gave me inspiration. Now we get the opportunity to go and give the rest of Queensland that inspiration.”
When asked if his arrangement moving forward would be on a “handshake” basis, Slater said, “pretty much.”
His comments have only stoked the fire that he may take charge of the Melbourne Storm if veteran coach Craig Bellamy retires at season’s end.
Bellamy, 66, revealed earlier this year that he had been diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disorder and therefore, his future beyond this year is unclear.
