Queensland legend Cameron Smith says he will “certainly consider” joining the Maroons’ coaching staff for next year’s State of Origin campaign.
Smith was at the forefront of a Maroons Origin dynasty in the late 2000s and early 2010s, but his representative retirement after the victorious 2017 campaign has seen Queensland lose three of four Origin series’ since.
MORE: Queensland icon’s problem with coaching dream team
Wayne Bennett was able to mastermind a spirited series win in 2020, but the Maroons were brought crashing back down to earth this year, going down 2-1 to Brad Fittler’s Blues.
Smith stressed that he would not want to be the head coach of Queensland, but said he would happily lend his knowledge on the staff if it fits in with his family commitments.
“If I am approached for next year then I would certainly consider it,” he told The Australian.
“The main factor would be the impact on my situation with family and other commitments I have. If it works in with the commitments that I already have, and in particular if it doesn’t have a huge impact on my family time, I would [do it].
“It is one point I made when I did finish [his playing career], the next couple of years I wanted to dedicate a lot of my time back to my family.
“They are the ones who missed out for a decade. That would be part of the consideration. I am not closing the door on it because having an opportunity to coach the Queensland State of Origin side, that would be a wonderful opportunity.
“As long as the timing was right and I felt it was the right thing for my wife and children as well, that is where the decision will be made. It would be a great job to be working with the Queensland Origin side.”
Smith would join a host of former Origin teammates, including Johnathan Thurston and Billy Slater, who have taken up various roles around the Maroons’ squad since their retirements.
Cooper Cronk, also a part of those legendary Maroons squad, is set to begin a role with Queensland Rugby League as an independent director, and said he wasn’t surprised by his former captain’s interest.
“I always thought coaching Queensland is right in Cameron Smith’s slot,” he told Fox League’s NRL360. “I think short periods of time, big impact without really diving into week-to-week football is right down his alley so I’m not surprised about that.”