Both NSW and Queensland could be on the lookout for new State of Origin coaches as Brad Fittler and Maroons counterpart Billy Slater refused to reiterate their commitment to coaching in next year’s series.
Slater has won back-to-back series as Maroons coach since taking charge last year but has yet to sign a new contract.
The Queenslander’s instant success has heaped pressure on Blues boss Fittler, who guided NSW to a dead rubber 24-10 win in Sydney on Wednesday.
Despite the win in Game III, Fittler is likely to face fresh scrutiny over his future.
Fittler was an immediate success when he took charge of the Blues in 2018, but his series record now reads 3-3 and questions have been raised over his off-beat selections and the use of his bench.
The Blues coach would have triggered a year-long extension with a series win but he will now have to prove to the NSWRL hierarchy that he deserves a chance to make amends.
“At the end of the day, it (Wednesday’s result) may have had a bearing on what the board may think because they'll decide who is going to be the coach going forward,” Fittler said.
“I'm gathering they'll speak to me about how I feel and if I've got the energy and if I want to do it, so them playing well ... the consequences of getting beaten by 30 would have been different.”
Fittler was flanked by his usual support staff on Wednesday but he also had a surprise inclusion in his box in Penrith coach Ivan Cleary.
“I’m impressed with him and the way he handles games and I thought he might be able to help tonight,” Fittler said.
“I asked him a lot of questions... and he came up with pretty good answers.”
Cleary would no doubt be a target for the NSWRL if Fittler doesn’t coach into a seventh series, although it would be doubtful if he was allowed to coach at club and Origin level.
Slater, meanwhile, said he has yet to decide whether he wants to coach on after rebuilding a young and vibrant Maroons side.
The legendary Melbourne fullback has been linked to club roles in recent times but it would take a compelling offer to pull him away from his TV punditry and the Queensland gig.
“I won’t speak for him but I think he’s happy and he sees that he’s started something with a young group,” assistant coach Josh Hannay told AAP.
“I’m speculating and it’s my opinion, but I’d be surprised if he’d walk away.”
The QRL have indicated they want him to remain as coach but Slater said making a decision with his family was his priority.
“I’ve really enjoyed the last two years, it’s been great. Queensland means a lot to me,” Slater said.
“I saw it as important, that’s why I’m sitting here - that hasn’t changed but I’ve got to make sure I’m doing the right thing by everyone.”
