The Queensland Rugby League boss said preliminary talks had begun to keep the Maroons legend on board and maintain the stability that has been crucial to the side's recent successes.
Slater has been a revelation in the four series he has coached, winning three of them.
Last year's 2-1 triumph after losing the opening game at home was the first time the Maroons had won twice on the road to claim a series after going behind.
Ikin made it clear the QRL would let Slater wait until after the series to make a call if that was his wish.
"Unless anything goes wrong or he changes his mind materially I expect Billy to throw everything into this year's series, hopefully win it again and then go around again next year," Ikin said.
"I've had the conversation with him and I have said, 'I am here when you are ready to start the conversation'. It will happen on his terms.
"If he wants it to happen before the series we can start the conversation then, but my sense is that he will want to keep his entire focus on getting it right across those three games. Then we will catch up and see what the next chapter looks like.
"Billy has been magnificent to work with and is deeply passionate about the cause. He knows how important that Maroons team is to Queensland's sense of self. We all walk a bit taller when the Maroons are winning."
The success of long-term coaches for Queensland is well documented, most notably during the tenure of Mal Meninga who coached for 10 series and won nine of them.
"Stability in head coaching whether it be club or rep footy is enormously important. What that does is bring a sense of certainty to the environment and that is what players need," Ikin said.
"Particularly in Origin, which is the biggest sporting event in the country. I will be talking to Billy continuously about how we can jointly keep evolving the program and ultimately make sure he is getting everything he needs to do the job as well as he can so he keeps coming back."
Ikin was speaking at the launch of the statewide Hostplus Cup competition, which is celebrating 30 years of action, along with the QRL announcing the continuation of its iconic partnership with XXXX through until 2030.
The Maroons have already received an early season boost with the successful return of Queensland and Dolphins forwards Thomas Flegler and Tom Gilbert from long-term injuries. The change in eligibility rules also means Briton Nikora, AJ Brimson and Jason Taumalolo will all be available for the Maroons this year.
"I am excited … to have Tommy Flegler come back for the Dolphins and maybe be available for the Maroons and other options with the eligibility changes. We will see how that plays out," Ikin said.
"You just want as many quality coaches, players and staff lining up to want to be part of this team."
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