Speculation around Billy Slater potentially stepping in for Craig Bellamy at the Melbourne Storm is heating up.
In light of this, the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) has acted swiftly to secure Slater's position as head coach for the QLD Maroons next season.
As Slater's contract approaches its end this year, he has impressively led the Maroons to victory in 3 of the last 4 State of Origin series, often with an underdog roster.
His triumphs in this prestigious arena have attracted attention from the Melbourne Storm, where he made his mark by playing 319 games.
With Bellamy recently disclosing his struggle with a neurodegenerative condition, many see Slater as a likely candidate for succession, possibly as early as 2027.
Despite this, The Daily Telegraph reports that QRL chief Ben Ikin has initiated early discussions to secure Slater's continuation through 2027.
"Yes, I have had talks with Billy," Ikin confirmed.
"The tone of the conversation was positive, but Billy wants to get through this series first."
"When you have someone like Billy who is so good at what he does as Origin coach, and that easy to work with, we would love him to go on."
"But we also accept at some point he may have ambitions to do other things."