Walkers should be in running for Titans job
TALK that the Walker brothers - Ben and Shane are interested in the Gold Coast Titans coaching job makes for an interesting proposition for the embattled NRL club.
The Walkers are two of Toowoomba’s top-level league talents and now co-coach the Ipswich Jets in the Intrust Super Cup.
They have built a reputation for coaching teams that play attacking footy which is becoming increasingly rare as other mentors these days tend to more follow the road of structure and percentages.
After the sacking of Neil Henry, coaching candidates for the Titans have been suggested, with Queensland coach Kevin Walters one mentioned.
The Walkers have also stated their interest in the Titans job.
It poses an interesting question for the Titans.
Do they try and recruit a tried-and-tested NRL coach?
Or do they take a punt on co-coaches who are searching for their first NRL gig and come as a package?
But when you look at it, the Walkers provide plenty of assets that would be invaluable at the Titans.
They are well-respected man managers, which would be crucial in getting the best out of players like Jarryd Hayne, and foster a strong team culture.
Teams they coach play a different and exciting style of footy which could help engage with the Gold Coast community and attract plenty of support.
That is crucial as professional sporting teams on the Gold Coast have struggled to get a foothold in the region for whatever reason.
You also get two footy brains for the price of one, with Ben and Shane both spending enough time playing in the NRL to know
what it takes to succeed at that level.
I, for one, would love to see what the Walkers can bring to the Titans squad and the NRL.
In looking for a new coach, the Titans can play the percentages and recruit a traditionally strong candidate.
Or they can go beyond what is traditional and try something fresh.
It will be interesting to see which way they go.