Josh Hannay has been confirmed as an assistant coach for the Queensland Maroons as head coach Billy Slater begins to assemble his support staff.

Hannay, who is currently an assistant coach for the Cronulla Sharks, filled the same role under former coach Kevin Walters during the 2018 Origin series — Slater’s last as a player.

The 41-year-old stepped up as the interim North Queensland Cowboys coach in 2020 after Paul Green and the club parted ways. He joined the Sharks this year and after John Morris was axed, Hannay again stepped in and led the club to a ninth place finish, narrowly missing out on finals.

Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!

“I’m honoured to be involved in a new coaching group with Billy and the other people he’s going to have on board,” Hannay said via a Queensland Rugby League statement.

“To be part of that is going to be exciting, but also (we’re) acutely aware of the challenge ahead in getting the shield back against a New South Wales team that looks probably as strong as it has been in a long time.”

Slater has been impressed by the way Hannay has thrived in challenging situations at both the Cowboys and Sharks and believes he has a lot of potential.

“I think he’s got a big future in the coaching game and it’s only a matter of time before he’s leading his own club,” Slater said.

“He’s had a lot of experience after being handed the reins in some tough circumstances (in the NRL) and I think he’s handled himself really well.

“Every dealing that I’ve had with him, whether it be at Origin level or throughout the media, has been positive and I think he’s got a really intelligent football mind that will add a lot of value to the playing group which is what we’re looking for.”

Hannay will likely join Maroons legend Johnathan Thurston, who was an assistant to Paul Green during this year’s series.

MORE NRL NEWS

UNDER PRESSURE: Madge’s last chance at Tigers; no more excuses for Kevvie

TRANSFER CENTRE: Titans sign ‘exciting’ unwanted Eel as Dragons announce trio

ROSTER: This is what Wayne Bennett’s 2023 Dolphins team could look like

EXPANSION: Matty Johns’ left-field idea for 18th NRL team

According to The Courier Mail, Slater — who was announced as the Maroons’ new coach last month — is also in talks with Cameron Smith to join the staff.

Smith, a former Maroons captain, played 42 games for Queensland over 15 years. He now resides on the Gold Coast with his family and will reportedly only join Slater if the Maroons aren’t forced into a bubble.

“I’ve spoken to Cam and Johnathan (Thurston),” Slater said.

“There’s still some things to be discussed but they are two guys I have been in touch with.

“We know what they bring to the table and their great records at Origin level.

“Those two guys (Smith and Thurston) and Josh are really passionate Queenslanders.

“To have spent so many years in Origin camps, not to mention their knowledge of the game … if we could assemble that coaching staff we’re on a good path to getting the best out of our playing group.”

Watch ‘Wild Wests: Tales from Tiger Town’ an exclusive Fox League behind-the-scenes production on demand on Kayo > Click here to watch

Slater was hoping to bring in former Queensland coach and current Australian coach Mal Meninga as an Adviser, however the NRL won’t allow it.

He has now turned his eye to Wayne Bennett.

Bennett coached Queensland to a shock series win in 2020 and won’t be juggling the demands of coaching an NRL team next year as he prepares for the Dolphins’ joining the NRL in 2023.

“Mal has been ruled out through his association with the Kangaroos,” Slater said.

“For someone like Wayne, he is passionate about Queensland, but the NRL season has just finished, he will want to rest up.

“I will let some water flow under the bridge before I start thinking about that.”