Walters feels Origin pressure as extension deal decision looms

MAROONS coach Kevin Walters is on the verge of securing a contract extension as Queensland powerbrokers threw their support behind the Origin legend despite losing the past two series.

We can reveal a one-year deal is being finalised to keep Walters in charge of the Maroons until at least 2021.

Walters, 52, is off-contract at the end of this year’s series and Queensland has suffered defeat in the past two years.

Despite the possibility of losing three straight series, the Maroons want stability and will look to extend Walters’ tenure to at least six years.

The Queensland Rugby League will hold its annual general meeting tomorrow and chairman Bruce Hatcher said a deal was close to being struck.

“He has got one more year to run and we are sitting down with him and talking about beyond this year,” Hatcher said.

“We will come to a decision either this month or next month.”

Walters took on the Queensland post from the 2016 series after Mal Meninga guided the Maroons to nine series wins in 10 years, including a record eight straight dynasty.

Walters won his first two series in charge, but Queensland has lost the shield over the past two years following the representative retirements of Origin legends Johnathan Thurston, Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater.

The Maroons won Origin I last year 18-14, but were thrashed 38-6 in Game Two and lost a thrilling

26-20 in Sydney.

Hatcher said while the QRL was concerned about losing three series in a row, Walters wasn’t to blame for the past two years.

“You can’t expect to win every year,” Hatcher said.

“I’m realistic enough to accept injuries and other things play a part. I’m not a blamer.”

Walters, who played 20 decider games for the Maroons, will begin preparations for this year’s series when he hosts a camp for 33 current and emerging Queensland players in Brisbane this weekend.

The coach admitted he was under pressure to win this year’s series but was confident the side could bounce back.

“I’m really happy with what we’ve got to work with among our players and depth,” he said.