Origin before NRL for Kevvie
KEVIN Walters has put his NRL coaching dream on hold to seek an extended reign as Queensland’s State of Origin coach.
Walters’ coaching stocks have hit a career high after winning his first two series as Maroons mentor.
He is keen to stay on beyond the third and final year of his contract next year and will meet QRL officials in the next few weeks to discuss his future.
If, as expected, they offer him a new deal, Walters is set to guide Queensland through a period of massive transition as they adjust to life without Johnathan Thurston, who has retired from Origin, and fellow champions Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith, who will depart in the next few seasons.
“I want to keep coaching Queensland,’’ Walters said.
“I am really passionate about that. I still think there is some work to be done to improve for next year and the year after.
“I would like to think over the next couple of weeks we could sit down and work out where our programs are going with our football and work out something from there. That is what I want to do.’’
Walters’ intention to stay with the Maroons for at least another two years rather than parlay his success into an NRL head coaching position – his heart’s desire for more than a decade – is good news for Queensland.
His effort to guide Queensland to a 2-1 series win this season with teams featuring eight debutants and a host of injuries has been lauded as one of Origin’s finest coaching performances.
Of a possible NRL coaching position, Walters said: “It’s on the backburner. The next few years I have more work I want to get through before I look at anything else.’’
QRL chairman Bruce Hatcher said last week his board would be “all ears’’ if Walters wanted to extend.
Walters’ decision does not mean he has shut the door on NRL coaching and it may yet work out perfectly for the Broncos if Wayne Bennett steps down in two or three years time that Walters could be ready to replace him.
Walters turns 50 in October and the prospect of taking his first NRL head coaching role in his early-to-mid 50s would not deter him.
“I feel about 30 at the moment though that might change,” he said. “As long as you have got good people around you – which I have – age is irrelevant.’’