State of Origin legend Billy Slater has admitted he is considering becoming the next coach of the Queensland Maroons.
Slater has been linked with the role since the shock departure of former boss Paul Green on Tuesday.
With the former Melbourne Storm star emerging as one of the favourites to replace Green, Slater chose to address the speculation during his old team's 40-12 win over Manly Sea Eagles in the Qualifying final on Friday night.
The 38-year-old revealed discussions had started about him becoming the new Maroons coach, but they weren't at an advanced stage.
"I want to stress that we haven't gotten to an offer or acceptance sort of thing just yet," Slater said on Nine.
"There's been an expression of my interest in coaching the Queensland team and given the care I have for Queensland and how high I hold the role, I'm certainly considering it.
"But at the same time I've got some existing commitments.
"I've got family commitments and I respect the role that much that I know how much I will put into the role, and I know how much it will demand and the commitment it will take.
"So it's not just an easy decision to say, 'Yes', but certainly [there is] some consideration there."
Green was under immense pressure to keep his job following this year's 2-1 series to New South Wales, who have now won three of the past four Origin series.
In a statement following his departure, Green said he still harbours a desire to return to NRL coaching in the near future, which proved a sticking point in discussions around his tenure as Maroons coach moving forward.
"After much consultation and discussion post the Origin series, both the QRL and I have decided to move in different directions,” Green said.
"The basis for this is simple, the QRL wants to ensure that they have certainty around the Origin coach not wanting to pursue an NRL head coach job, and whilst I could give them that certainty for the 2021 series, I cannot guarantee that this would be the case in the future.
"We all understand the dynamics and volatility around NRL club head coach roles and ultimately, that is where I see myself when the right opportunity opens up.
"I agree with the QRL’s desire for stability in the Origin coach job and to that end, I felt compelled to be transparent with my broader plans and thus this decision. I have loved every minute of this job as it is every Queenslanders dream to coach this team.
"Whilst we didn’t win the 2021 series, I feel that the future is very bright for the Queensland team and wish them and the new coach the very best for 2022 and beyond."