Queensland will enter into the 2024 State of Origin series looking to go three in a row under the tenure of head coach Billy Slater.
The Maroons legend took over from Kevin Walters in 2022 and has overseen back-to-back series wins, with the help of a range of fellow QLD legends in his coaching staff, including Cameron Smith.
State of Origin 2024: Will Cameron Smith be in Queensland’s camp?
Smith, who won 11 Origin series for his state during his illustrious playing career, made the shock decision to step down from his assistant role alongside Slater late last year.
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Across 17 series that Smith has been involved in as a player and a coach, he has emerged victorious in 13 of them against New South Wales.
"I don’t know if there’s anyone who has contributed more to the Queensland Origin team than Cam Smith," Slater said as he paid tribute to Smith following his departure.
"I’m extremely grateful for his contribution over the last two series. He’s done an incredible job which I’ve seen first-hand inside the camp with all the players and coaching staff."
Smith stated that he had gained immense satisfaction from being in camp and imparting his knowledge and experience onto the next generation of Queenslanders.
"I was lucky enough to represent the jersey many times, but to experience it from a different lens as a coach, and being able to watch this new generation play the way they did and represent the state in the manner in which they did, was highly rewarding," Smith said.
"It’s been a fantastic two series working with quality players. They’re quality people to work with and they’ve certainly helped me as a rookie assistant coach."
Why did Cameron Smith step down as Queensland assistant coach?
"I'm very grateful to Billy and the QRL for the opportunity to be a part of the Queensland coaching team," Smith said when revealing his exit last year.
Smith, who has a role at Channel Nine, noted that he had decided to walk away from the role in order to focus his attention on coaching in the youth ranks.
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"This year I've decided to coach at grassroots level at the Currumbin Eagles," Smith said.
"I feel it's really important to get back to grassroots level because that's where our next generation of players come from and I remember all the way back to my junior days playing at Logan Brothers, and just how important coaching is at that level."
Who has replaced Cameron Smith as Billy Slater’s assistant coach?
Matt Ballin was announced as Slater’s new addition to his coaching staff following Smith’s exit.
The former Manly premiership-winner will work alongside the head coach, Johnathan Thurston and Josh Hannay as they attempt to claim their third series success when they face off against Michael Maguire’s Blues for the first time.
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"I've seen a whole heap of value to what Matt brings to our game-day performance," Slater said of Ballin, who currently works under Walters at the Broncos.
"I'm really excited to work alongside him and continue to help our players prepare to the best of their ability."