Big Mal highly rates Walters
MAL Meninga says Kevin Walters has nothing left to prove to become the next Broncos coach.
The Townsville Bulletin revealed last week that Cowboys coach Paul Green has been sounded out by the Broncos as a possible future replacement for Wayne Bennett, who is offcontract at the end of next year.
But Walters, who returned to the club as an assistant coach over the pre- season, has long been viewed as Bennett’s eventual successor.
And Australian coach Meninga, who had Walters as part of his Queensland Origin staff before the 50- year- old took over the reins, believes that’s the way it should stay.
He said Walters has nothing else to prove in his bid to become an NRL coach.
“He deserves his Meninga said.
“Wayne said to me a long time ago that the hardest thing about coaching is to survive.
“But the only way to survive is to actually do it. You don’t know until you try.
“I think he’s done enough work over the years and understands the game extremely well. You need that opportunity.”
Walters’ last stint with the Broncos was in 2015, when he played a key part in getting crack,” halves Ben Hunt and Anthony Milford to their best form in their race to the grand final.
He is back running the side’s attack again in 2018 and is working closely with Milford and his new halves partner, Kodi Nikorima.
Meninga said if Walters can get the pair to fire – with many outsiders doubting how the duo will fare this season – then it just shows the Maroons mentor “absolutely” deserves the job once Bennett retires.
“From a learning perspective and a confidence perspective, he’ll have a huge impact on whoever plays seven and six,” Meninga said.
“Wayne obviously thinks ( Walters) is very important to the club. He’s an old boy, has great coaching credentials and great playing credentials.”