Walters tipped for Maroons role
By Steve Ricketts
October 13, 2005
SACKED Brisbane Broncos assistant coach Kevin Walters is in the frame to be part of Queensland's State of Origin campaign next year, on a coaching staff headed by Mal Meninga.
The Queensland Rugby League (QRL) is set to anoint Maroons icon Meninga as coach at a board meeting in Maryborough today.
The meeting shapes as one of the most important in the history of the code in the state after three successive Origin series losses.
While Origin football remains one of Australia's sporting phenomenons, its health will be jeopardised if New South Wales continues to dominate.
That is why the Maryborough meeting has to get it right in appointing the successor to Michael Hagan, who has resigned after two seasons in charge.
Meninga, 45, has been sounded out by the QRL, and yesterday he reiterated his willingness to tackle the job.
He will go head-to-head with former Canberra teammate Ricky Stuart if he is appointed, with Stuart confirmed as the Blues coach for 2006.
Just as important as the naming of the head coach for Queensland will be the appointment of the support staff, with Walters and Canberra coach Matthew Elliott in contention because of their NRL experience.
Meninga has been restricted to the odd representative match in recent seasons.
Walters has been recommended by Origin coaching director Wayne Bennett, the man who sacked him from the Broncos last Friday, although the recommendation was made last month.
Townsville-raised Elliott said this week he would love to be involved with Origin "in any capacity".
Queensland legends Trevor Gillmeister and Allan Langer also could be used, but Gillmeister's job at Carlton & United Breweries will make it hard for him to land an official post.
Rival brewer Castlemaine Perkins is a long-standing Queensland sponsor.
Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy is at long odds to get a start after being the early favourite.
No New South Welshman has ever coached Queensland, and Bellamy hails from Portland near the Blue Mountains.
Staff members set to retain their jobs include trainer Billy Johnstone and managers Steve Walters and Ben Ikin.
The board meeting today will also review the Origin selection panel with Gene Miles battling to retain his post following comments he made about the Maroons performance this year.
In other news, Burleigh coach Rick Stone has accepted a position as Hagan's assistant at Newcastle.
Stone's assistant at Burleigh, Mark Gee, has meanwhile quit to coach Broncos feeder club Toowoomba.
Stone's resignation may open the way for axed Broncos Walters, Gary Belcher or Glenn Lazarus to take on a fulltime coaching role with the Bears, although "locals" Jim Lenihan and Jamie O'Connor are favourites.
Stone coached the Bears for 12 seasons, nine in the Queensland Cup, winning won two titles.
English Super League club Castleford may also seek Walters to coach the Tigers when they return to the tip flight next year.
The Tigers are coached by another Australian, David Woods, but Castleford is yet to confirm his position for 2006.
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