Bennett coy on Kevvie
TENSIONS between Wayne Bennett and Kevin Walters have flared again with the Broncos super coach refusing to endorse his former assistant for the Titans job.
In the latest twist to a longstanding and at times fractious relationship, Bennett yesterday distanced himself from the Titans saga when asked if Walters is the man to rescue the Gold Coast.
The Queensland Origin mentor is considered a frontrunner for the Titans post – 12 years after Bennett sensationally sacked a shattered Walters from his coaching staff at the Broncos.
Bennett argued Walters needed to broaden his horizons to build his skill set and the Broncos legend has done that, coaching in France and leading Queensland to backto-back Origin series wins.
Bennett praised Walters’ performance with the Maroons, but when asked if he is ready to launch his career as a full-time NRL coach, the Broncos mentor declined to spruik his credentials.
“I’m not going to go into speculation until I know he is in for the (Titans) job,” Bennett said of Walters.
“I’ll talk about it then, but right now it is speculation.
“He has a job coaching Queensland and he has done a good job there.”
Asked who he believes is the right coach to replace sacked Titans mentor Neil Henry, Bennett remained tightlipped.
“I can’t answer that. I don’t have the answer for that,” Bennett said.
“They made the decision to let Neil go so they obviously have something in mind.
“It’s their problem down there, it’s their issue and I don’t want to buy into it.
“It’s got nothing to do with me or our club. Ask them (the Titans) the questions.
“They don’t listen anyway so you are wasting your time.”
Speaking on Fox League’s Queenslanders Only program last night, Walters insists he has had no formal talks with the Titans. He made it clear he remains contracted with the Queensland Rugby League.
“It’s in your face every day, I’m being linked to the Titans job,” he said.
“I haven’t had any talks with the Titans. If and when I do make the step into the NRL, it has to suit me and the type of coach I am. Is that the Titans? I don’t know.”