Newly-appointed Queensland Maroons assistant coach Ben Te’o says he will get a tremendous “buzz” when he joins camp next week.
Te’o, who played seven State of Origin games for Queensland between 2012 and 2014, will reunite with former teammate and current Maroons head coach Billy Slater more than a decade after their playing days together.
“Ben is a proud Queenslander,” Slater said.
“He’s lived it as a player and he has a true passion to coach. I’m really excited to have him involved.”
Te’o is now eager to help the team prepare to the best of its ability.
“Anytime you come into a Queensland set up, it’s what can you do for the team,” Te’o said.
Having coached Queensland’s Under 19 team in 2024, Te’o has a significant understanding of the QRL’s pathways, programs and statewide competitions.
“Being involved in the Hostplus Cup was a great opportunity for me to further my coaching, I started off with the Redcliffe Colts in the under 21s when I retired,” Te’o said.
“Moving into that senior level … and coaching a lot of players that I had already played with, was a challenge too.
“(Being just) one step away from the NRL, I really took pride in transitioning players from the juniors up through to the Hostplus Cup, and some of them have gone onto the NRL now. It was a really big part of my journey as a coach and something I am so grateful to have done.”
The 174-game former NRL veteran bleeds maroon.
“Queensland is where I had an opportunity to realise my dreams and I think I’ve always had a very good association with Queensland Rugby League,” Te’o said.
“For me, I’ll never forget my opportunities. I played seven games for the Maroons and I’ll never forget the enormity of the games and also just looking around and playing with Cam, Coops, Billy and GI.
“Those are some of the memories I’ll have forever. It will always mean a lot to me.”
Maroons coaching news is proudly supported by Liquorland.
