The Queensland Rugby League (QRL) Board has handed coach Mal Meninga a three-year coaching extension, keeping him in control of the Maroons until the end of 2011.

In an unprecedented three-year State of Origin contract for the Maroons, Meninga will lead Queensland into the next decade as the northerners next year aim to become the first team to record a fourth straight series win.

QRL managing director Ross Livermore said the contract extension would provide Meninga, who steered the Maroons to a third-straight series triumph this year, with a fabulous chance to break new ground in the Origin arena.

Four series wins would create a record which would be hard to match and five or six is a possibility if Mal can lead the Maroons to a fourth, Livermore said.

"We're obviously very pleased to have Mal on board for a further three years," he said.

Meninga has yet to finalise his support staff for the 2009 series.

Kevin Walters and Steve Hooper have already indicated they will not continue with the team next year while Neil Henry and Billy Johnstone will be re-assessed once they settle into their roles at new clubs.

In a boost for Queensland's young talent, the Maroons will invite several of the State's promising youngsters into the squad camps next year.

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