The Brennan Bunch
Who replaces axed coach Garth at Titans?
THE Titans have identified Kevin Walters as a frontline contender to replace sacked Garth Brennan despite the Queensland coach insisting he is committed to the Maroons.
It’s understood the Titans have Walters firmly on their hit list and will immediately shortlist the Broncos legend if he is prepared to parlay his Origin successes with the Maroons to the NRL arena.
Titans culture and performance chief Mal Meninga will table his review to the Gold Coast board today before club bosses begin ramping up a hunt for Brennan’s successor.
Despite Walters’ passion for the Queensland Origin team, he remains in the sights of Titans powerbrokers.
Walters is reluctant to publicly spruik his claims for an NRL coaching job after the machinations of two years ago, when he was urged not to apply for the Titans post following the sacking of Neil Henry and instead aim to become Wayne Bennett’s successor at the Broncos.
If the Titans want their man, they will have to make the first move to secure Walters, who has done a fine job with the Queensland Origin team, winning two of four series and blooding 21 debutants during his 12-game tenure.
“I’m very happy in my role with the Queensland Rugby League and there’s more I want to achieve with the Maroons,” said Walters, who turns 52 in October.
“I don’t know where all the speculation has come from (linking him to the Titans post). It certainly wasn’t driven by me.
“I want to keep taking the Maroons forward.
“I’ve overseen a lot of change with our program in the last four years, I’ve brought through a lot of new faces, and I love working with a great group of Queensland players.
“I’m very happy with Queensland, so that’s my focus at this stage.”
Well-placed sources say the Titans regard Walters as a “very strong candidate”.
The Titans must decide whether to chase an experienced coach or another NRL greenhorn.
The club last time opted for Brennan on the back of his grassroots success, despite his lack of top-level experience.