Walkers open to NRL future, not assistant roles

RUGBY league’s most radical coaching package insist they haven’t shut the door on the NRL but Ben and Shane Walker won’t be chasing an assistant role anywhere.

The colourful coaching brothers were in the mix for the Gold Coast top job ultimately filled by Penrith NSW Cup mentor Garth Brennan.

“If there’s another opportunity that presents itself and fits with us certainly we’d look at it,” Ben said.

“It’s not the end of the world for us (that we missed out on the Titans) and we still have a job to go to.

“We coach to win grand finals, not to win a job.”

Brennan’s introduction means there is set to be a wave of staffing changes at Gold Coast, though the Walkers won’t put their hand up for an assistant role – anywhere.

“No, not a chance,” Ben said. “We’re head coaches and there’s no point going back to being assistants.”

Walker says Brennan’s future is his to write given the lower expectations but luxury of talent at the Titans’ disposal.

“What he’s fortunate enough to get is a really underachieving squad with the potential to win finals,” Ben said.

“Gold Coast have been around since I was 12 and they have been a laughing stock for a long time so it will be nice for someone to go in and do well.

“I wish him all the best because Queensland needs another successful team.”

Walker, though, issued a warning: “If they don’t make the eight then the coach should have his job looked at.”