Nicole Slater has opened up about how she and her children cope with Maroons coach husband Billy, who works in a job that has eaten and spit out some of the biggest names in football.
After retiring from the NRL in 2018, Billy moved to a farm in Victoria with his wife of 15 years and their two children, daughter Tyla and son Jake, a year later.
Now the whole family will be at the MCG on Wednesday night to cheer on Queensland in game two of the State of Origin series.
“We have been so lucky as a family to be able to put on our Maroon jerseys every year,” Nicole Slater said News Corp.
‘Children have the best place in the house again this year, because they are the ball children.’
“Billy’s transition from player to coach has been an honor to watch closely, as I know the long days and nights he spends perfecting his craft so that the players can see themselves as Billy sees them.”
Slater was handed the reins of the Maroons after Paul Green resigned following back-to-back losses in the first two games of the 2021 State of Origin series.
He went on to win the 2022 and 2023 series, establishing himself as one of the Cane Toads’ best leaders.
Nicole Slater (pictured with her husband Billy and their children Jake and Tyla) has revealed how she and her children are coping with her husband Billy having one of the most stressful jobs in Australian sports
Slater will coach the Maroons State of Origin side at the MCG on Wednesday evening
Nicole says she has learned a lot from watching her husband develop into a coach.
“I’ve learned so much more since he started coaching,” she said.
‘His football IQ is fascinating if you are not a football person yourself. We can’t wait for Wednesday and show Victoria what rugby league has to offer in what I think is the most entertaining game you will ever see.”
Last month, Slater was linked with a coaching job with the NRL but explained to the media he was not interested because he does not want to disrupt his precious family time.
“I’m all about the Queensland job and if I don’t coach Queensland, I don’t coach anyone else,” Slater told News Corp.
‘I have been very progressive in that.
‘Therefore [being linked to Eels post] to make a statement about the past 24 hours…this is the first time I’ve been asked about this topic.
“I’m the coach of Queensland and if I’m not the coach of Queensland, I’m not coaching anyone.”
Nicole says she learned a lot from watching her husband coach the Maroons
Slater initially signed a two-year contract to start a new era for Queensland.
After a highly successful debut as Origin coach, the 40-year-old agreed a new three-year extension in September.
Now confirmed as Queensland coach until 2026, Slater remains a Storm legend and remains linked to Melbourne.
Many believe Slater would excel as a club coach due to his strong work ethic, impressive background and keen attention to detail.
However, the Queensland Origin legend clearly stated that he currently has no interest in becoming one of the NRL’s 17 head coaches.
But it’s all because of his family, not any doubts about the pressures that come with being an NRL mentor.
“It’s not so much the pressure of the NRL job,” Slater said.
Slater had one of the tougher moments of his Origin coaching career when Reece Walsh (pictured together) suffered a shocking tackle in game one this year
‘I’m not worried about that.
“But it’s a huge commitment to be an NRL coach, it’s an 11-month job, seven days a week.
“I have been in and around the NRL environment for over 20 years. I understand what those NRL coaches put into it and it’s all there.
‘Where I am now with my life and my family, I don’t foresee myself ever being an NRL coach in the near future.
“Maybe that will change later, you never say never, but I’m here to do my bit for Queensland.
“I’m happy in this role and if I’m not the head coach of Queensland then I’m not a coach.”