Matt Ballin will replace Cameron Smith on the Queensland coaching staff in this year's State of Origin series

The former NRL hooker and assistant coach at Brisbane since late 2021, Ballin joins Josh Hannay and Jonathan Thurston as an assistant to Billy Slater, who is preparing for his third series in charge.

Smith, a veteran of 42 Origin games and one of the state's greatest players, was an assistant for both of the Maroons' series victories under Slater but has chosen to focus on a role at grassroots and media duties.

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