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Michael Westlake

Maroons Rebuild In Full Swing As Big Mal Returns

Big Mal is back – with Queensland’s greatest coach Mal Meninga returning to the fold with the Maroons and backing fullback legend Billy Slater to thrive as our newest State of Origin coach.


The ARL Commission has given the green light for Meninga to assist the Maroons’ campaign in 2022, on the proviso the Australia coach does not personally work with Slater in a direct mentoring capacity.


The QRL were originally hoping Meninga would be given ARL Commission approval to have a hands-on role guiding Slater, who will embark on his first season as Queensland coach next year.


But after ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys vetoed that idea, the QRL has recalibrated Meninga’s role, with the 61-year-old to instead focus on mentoring the next wave of Queensland coaches and improve the Maroons’ playing depth.


With the Covid saga having wiped out Australia’s international program over the past 18 months, Meninga has time in his schedule and is keen to spearhead the Maroons’ Origin blueprint as a member of a QRL advisory panel.


Meninga was appointed Australia’s coach in 2016 after steering the Maroons to nine series wins in 10 years. In recent years, NSW have begun building their own dynasty, winning three of the past four campaigns, and the NRL Immortal is determined to ensure Queensland remain competitive at Origin level.


“I’ve spoken to Bruce Hatcher (QRL chairman) and said I was keen to help out,” Meninga said.


“I’m a passionate Queenslander at the end of the day, so if I get the opportunity to be part of an advisory board, I will do it with open arms.


“I also spoke to Peter (V’landys) about assisting Billy, but the perception is there around the Australian coach (of a conflict of interest), and I agree.


“In my position with the Kangaroos, I need to be sitting on the fence, which is totally understandable.


“But by joining the QRL in an advisory capacity, it’s for the greater good of the game and I feel very privileged to be asked to help out.


“I don’t know the full details as yet. The QRL are setting up an advisory committee to look at coaching resources in Queensland, as well as mentoring young coaches and ex-players to come through into the professional coaching ranks.


“There’s not a lot of coaching depth in Queensland, so it’s important for the health of Origin that we develop another generation of coaches.”


While Meninga is precluded from advising Slater, the Test coach is confident the Storm legend can walk to the beat of his own drum at the helm of the Maroons.


Meninga coached Slater in eight Origin campaigns and says the 31-game Maroons fullback champion understands what it takes to succeed in the code’s toughest arena.


“Billy will be outstanding as an Origin coach,” he said.


“He has the technical ability, he has the temperament and he will have the trust of players.


“He has been there and done that, and he will be able to communicate what State of Origin is all about to compete at that level.


“Billy is smart enough to get the right people around him.


“Having coached Billy, I know what makes him tick. He was the ultimate professional and he will have the Queensland team well prepared.


“He is one of the greatest fullbacks to play the game, so he will have the instant respect of the players.


“What Billy gets about Origin is it’s not so much about the tactics. It’s about building trust, and bringing a team of men together to perform in that arena.


“Billy will know how to do that.”

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