Billy makes big call on replacing Bellamy as Storm coach
Billy Slater says he has no desire to coach in the NRL and no plans to replace Craig Bellamy at Melbourne.
His comments on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show come after he sensationally quit as Queensland’s State of Origin coach on Friday.
Billy Slater on the Sunday Footy Show. Nine
The 43-year-old led the Maroons to three series wins from five attempts, including a stunning underdog victory in Sydney last year.
He was one of the best players the game has ever seen and has proven his coaching credentials on rugby league’s biggest stage.
But full-time club coaching is a different beast to representative footy, and Slater says he isn’t interested in taking up the clipboard.
“Not right now, no,” he told the Sunday Footy Show when pressed on his plans to coach again.
“But I still love the game, I love that state (Queensland), and I love our footy team.
“Whether I coach again in the future, maybe. I’m only 43 years old. Maybe that opportunity comes in the future.
“Right now, there is no ulterior motive to this decision. I’m really comfortable with where I sit.”
Slater has been heavily linked to his former club Melbourne.
Long-time Storm coach Bellamy has committed to coaching the NRL team again in 2027 but admits he will probably stand down after that, leaving the club looking for a 2028 replacement.
Earlier this month, Slater was busted on camera giving Storm players instructions during half time of a game. He does work with the team on a part-time basis.
He would be an obvious choice to replace Bellamy but says he doesn’t want the job.
Billy Slater played under Craig Bellamy for a long time. Getty
“I’ve always said, and I’ve been pretty consistent with it, that I don’t see myself as an NRL coach,” he said.
“I love the position I hold here at Channel Nine; I get to talk about the game and push our opinions of the game and educate the people at home.
“But you never say never.
“The Storm have been a big part of my life for half of my life, and obviously it’s Craig Bellamy’s last year next year.
“But right now I don’t see myself coaching in the NRL.”
Along with his part-time coaching duties, Slater works as a TV pundit for Nine, and also runs a thoroughbred horse breeding business with his wife.
The Storm are set to miss the NRL finals for just the second time in Bellamy’s storied 23-season reign.
