Billy Slater's wife opens up in rare interview about how she and her children deal with him working in one of Aussie sport's most high-pressure jobs

Nicole Slater has opened up about how she and her children deal with Maroons coach husband Billy working in a job that has chewed up and spat out some of the biggest names in footy.

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 entire family will be at the MCG on Wednesday night to cheer on Queensland in game two of the State of Origin series.

'We've been so fortunate as a family to pull on our Maroon jerseys each year,' Nicole Slater told News Corp.

'Kids have once again got the best seat in the house as they are the ball kids again this year. 

'Billy's transition from a player to a coach has been honourable to watch closely, as I know the long days and nights he puts into perfecting his craft to allow the players to see themselves as Billy sees them.'

Slater was handed the reins of the Maroons after Paul Green stepped down following consecutive losses in the opening two matches of the 2021 State of Origin series.

He went on to win the 2022 and 2023 series to stamp himself as one of the Cane Toads' best leaders. 

Nicole says she's learned a lot from watching her husband develop into a coach. 

'I've learned so much more since he started coaching,' she said.

'His IQ on football is fascinating when you're not a football person yourself. We can't wait for Wednesday and show Victoria what rugby league has to offer, in what I believe is the most entertaining game you'll see.'

Last month Slater was linked to a coaching job in the NRL, but explained to media that he wasn't interested because he doesn't want to disrupt his precious family time.

'I am all in for the Queensland job and if I'm not coaching Queensland, I'm not coaching anyone else,' Slater told News Corp.

'I have been very forward with that.

'For that [being linked to Eels post] to be a statement over the last 24 hours … this is the first time I have been asked about this issue.

 'I'm Queensland's coach and if I'm not Queensland's coach, I'm not coaching anyone.'

Slater initially signed a two-year contract to begin a new era for Queensland.

After a highly successful debut as an Origin coach, the 40-year-old agreed to a new three-year extension in September.

Now confirmed as Queensland's coach until 2026, Slater remains a Storm legend and stays connected with 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 he has no current interest in becoming one of the NRL's 17 head coaches.

But it is all because of his family, not because of any doubts over the pressure of being an NRL mentor.

'It's not so much the pressure of the NRL job,' Slater said.

'I'm not worried about that.

'But it's a huge commitment being an NRL coach, it's an 11-months-of-the-year, seven-days-a-week job.

'I've been in and around the NRL environment for over two decades now. I understand what those NRL coaches put into it and it's all in.

'Where I am at with my life and my family, I don't foresee myself in the near future ever becoming an NRL coach.

'Maybe that changes down the track, you never say never, but I'm here to do my part for Queensland.

'I'm happy in this role and if I'm not the Queensland head coach, well, I'm not a coach.'