Wayne Bennett, head coach of the South Sydney Rabbitohs, has stated he won't pursue the QLD Maroons coaching position, but would consider it if approached.
Bennett last served as the Maroons coach in 2020, leading a squad often regarded as the weakest Queensland team ever to a remarkable series win.
During a media session on Friday, Bennett recommended Darius Boyd for the role instead.
"I have a lot of time for Darius. He's done a great job at the Queensland under-19s. He won the last two series, so yeah, he's a very capable person," he noted.
"You're always asking yourself are you ready for something, but when are you really ready? Particularly with coaching, it's a tough gig and when the opportunity comes, you've got to grab it. So if he gets the opportunity, I'm sure he'll take it."
Currently the Queensland under-19 coach, Boyd expressed interest this week in succeeding Slater.
Ben Te'o was initially seen as the favorite for the role but will join Bennett at South Sydney, while Kevin Walters has confirmed his move to St Helens.
Darren Lockyer, Johnathan Thurston, and Cameron Smith have all indicated disinterest, and Cooper Cronk is part of the selection panel.
Though Bennett is not actively seeking the position, he acknowledged he would step in if Queensland reached out.