Report: Bring Back The Fat .....

CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | CONTACT

Cameron Smith, the champion Maroons and Storm number 9 has ruled himself out of the running for the gig.

Initially billed as the favourite for the role, Smith scratched himself saying 'It's not the role for me at this current time.'

This has left an entire state feeling distressed and confused, as they just assumed Billy Slater would be replaced by another former player from the eight-in-a-row dynasty.

Fellow Queensland great Johnathan Thurston has also hushed rumours around his name, saying that his other commitments, particularly in Townsville, prevent him from taking the job.

Other contenders are Billy's pair old pair of Assistants Ben Teo and Matt Ballin.

However, unlike the NSW Blues - the role of Queensland coach is surrounded by prestige - and isn't just rotated to whoever puts their hand up.

The Queensland coach must inspire not only an entire squad - but also six million people from the Tweed River to Cape York.

While some other names have been thrown around, specifically the iconic former players Petero Civoniceva and Shane Webcke - there is also the inherent Queensland desire to look back at what has worked in the past.

Much like Wayne Bennett arriving back at the helm of Maroons coach after 17 years to deliver the state a shock 202o series victory with 'the worst Queensland team of all time' - there are whispers around a return of 'the great man'

Queenslanders are calling for the Maroons to bring back The Fat.

Former player turned hilarious TV personality, Paul "Fatty" Vautin coached the Queensland Maroons to a legendary 3–0 series hammering of the Blues in the 1995 State of Origin series.

With a team that had been labelled the "Neville Nobodies" by the scumbag southern press, and while also missing out on all of their Super League-signed players from the Brisbane Broncos, Fatty Vautin's underdog team defied all expectations and absolutely pumped a New South Wales side led by Phil Gould.

However, at 67 years of age, Fatty is enjoying his retirement on the Gold Coast.

Could the Queensland Rugby League make him an offer big enough to peel him away from 36 holes of golf a day?

Queenslanders certainly hope so.