Queensland icons Darren Lockyer and Wally Lewis believe the Maroons’ new star-studded coaching set-up can thrive despite there being little coaching experience.
Maroons head coach Billy Slater finalised his staff on Tuesday, adding former Origin and club teammate Cameron Smith as an assistant to go along with Johnathan Thurston and Josh Hannay.
While Hannay has coached in brief stints at the Cowboys and Sharks, Smith, Slater and Thurston possess very little coaching experience between the three of them. Thurston has previously served as a Queensland assistant coach.
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Lockyer, who is a Maroons selector, believes Slater and his new stable has what it takes to bring the Origin shield back to Queensland.
“I think there is an element of risk there, but I think coaching is about being across the detail and getting the players to play for you,” he told Wide World of Sports’ QLDER.
“I’ve got no doubt that the detail will be covered by Billy especially, and Josh Hannay. (In terms of) getting the players to play for you, you’ve got three of the best in the history of the Queensland team giving the message, so I think that’s a recipe for success.
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“The fact that there’s three guys in particular (Slater, Smith and Thurston) who have played so many games for Queensland, the players that’ll be there in camp will obviously buy into what they’re saying, and that’s really important at that level.”
While Hannay has not come with the fanfare of Smith, Lockyer believes he will play a vital role in the coaching group.
“Josh was Billy’s first pick, so it shows you how much he respects him,” he said.
“He’s been a head coach at the NRL a couple of times, so his experience will be valuable.”
Lewis is also of the belief that Slater and his assistants can deliver Queensland success.
“There being a fullback and a hooker there as well as a halfback and a centre, you’ve got guys there who are quite comfortable in the different positions,” he told QLDER.
“Their advice when they’re talking to each other will be first class, so it does promise some good things.”
The 2022 State of Origin series will get underway on June 8 with the Origin I to take place at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium.