The Legacy of Mal Meninga and the Evolution of State of Origin Coaching
When it comes to the history of State of Origin coaching, one name stands out above all others: Mal Meninga. He is widely regarded as the most successful coach in the sport’s history, having led Queensland to an unprecedented 20 wins from 30 games during their eight consecutive series victories. This achievement is nothing short of remarkable, especially considering the era in which he coached.
However, this record always comes with a caveat. The team that Meninga guided was arguably the greatest collection of talent ever assembled for a single state. Players like Billy Slater, Greg Inglis, Darren Lockyer, Cooper Cronk, Johnathan Thurston, and Cameron Smith were not just stars; they were legends in the making. It’s hard to argue that any other coach could have matched their success, even if they had been in charge.
The uniqueness of that team is something that will likely never be replicated. Having six players who could each claim Immortal status in the same era is a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. While some might compare them to the legendary St George Dragons team that won 11 straight titles, that era was vastly different—there was no salary cap, and the nature of the game was entirely different.
Meninga himself is a legend in his own right. As one of the greatest Queenslanders to ever play the game, he understands the significance of the Maroon jersey. But even he admits that he was more of a figurehead, a motivator, rather than the mastermind behind the team’s success. His support staff, particularly Michael Hagan, played a crucial role in shaping the on-field strategy, and the spine players themselves had a significant say in how the team approached the game.
The Coaches After Meninga
Since the end of Meninga’s reign, several coaches have taken the reins for both New South Wales and Queensland. Among them are Laurie Daley, Brad Fittler, Michael Maguire, Kevin Walters, Wayne Bennett, Paul Green, and Billy Slater. Of these, two stand out for the impact they’ve had on their teams: Michael Maguire and Wayne Bennett.
Maguire, who previously coached New Zealand to a stunning victory in the Pacific Championships, took over the Blues for a brief period before being lured back to the NRL. His time with the Blues was marked by a strong performance in 2024, where they managed to pull off an impressive series win against the Maroons. Bennett, on the other hand, made history in 2020 when he led a team that many considered the weakest in Origin history to a dramatic series victory.
Despite the odds, Bennett’s leadership and tactical decisions were key to the Blues’ success. Even with injuries and a lack of star power, he managed to get the best out of his team. That season remains one of the most memorable in Origin history.
The Challenges of Modern Coaching
In recent years, the coaching landscape has continued to evolve. Billy Slater, who has outperformed previous coaches like Brad Fittler and Laurie Daley, faced a tough challenge in 2024 when he was defeated by Michael Maguire. Slater’s decision-making in Game 1 of the 2025 series raised eyebrows, particularly his late-game substitutions.
Moving Kurt Capewell to the centres and bringing on Trent Loiero instead of utilising Gehamat Shibasaki, who was available on the bench, seemed questionable. These choices highlighted the challenges that come with managing a high-pressure team like the Maroons.
Slater’s approach has been met with mixed results. While he made bold selections in previous series, such as dropping Daly Cherry-Evans, those decisions sometimes came with risks. However, the reward was often worth it, as seen in Tom Dearden’s standout performance in the 2024 decider.
The Future of Origin Coaching
As the game continues to evolve, there is a growing need for coaches who can adapt to the changing dynamics of rugby league. The introduction of the six-man bench in 2025 adds another layer of complexity to the coaching role. With this in mind, it may be time for the NSWRL and QRL to consider new approaches.
While ex-players with limited coaching experience have dominated the role in recent years, there is potential for more experienced coaches to step in. Names like Ivan Cleary, who is set to retire from the Panthers in 2027, could bring a fresh perspective to the Origin arena.
Cleary’s track record as a coach suggests he could make a significant impact, potentially outperforming current coaches like Billy Slater. If appointed, he would bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that could help reshape the future of State of Origin football.
