QRL would consider releasing Walters to NRL
KEVIN Walters has bolted into contention to coach the Titans after QRL boss Bruce Hatcher revealed he would consider releasing the Maroons Origin mentor to pursue an NRL job.
Judgment day is nearing on the Gold Coast with Titans powerbrokers to make a call on coach Neil Henry’s future this week. The Titans are in wooden-spoon contention, languishing in 14th spot following five-straight losses where they have conceded a staggering 176 points.
Walters, 49, guided the Maroons to one of the state’s greatest series victories this year and cut his teeth as an assistant to NRL heavyweights Craig Bellamy (Melbourne) and Wayne Bennett (Brisbane). He is contracted to coach the Maroons until the end of next year and the QRL is keen to extend his tenure until 2020.
But NRL head coaching roles are few and far between and Hatcher said the QRL would consider letting Walters walk if he asked.
“I’d like to think we’d have an open mind about it but I’d also like to think he wants to coach Origin,” he said.
“I must admit I don’t people breaking contracts.
“People in professional sport these days use the reason like that if there is a better offer then they should move on.
“We’re looking to extend Kevin’s contract in a sensible way but if he came along and said it was the opportunity of a lifetime the board would have to consider that.”
Walters recently said he is happy in his role with the Queensland team.