BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 11: Coach Kevin Walters talks to the media during a Queensland Maroons State of Origin training session at Suncorp Stadium on July 11, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Kevin Walters returns to Broncos
Adam Safi
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October 23, 2017 - 11:20 am
Brisbane Broncos coach Wayne Bennet confirmed that Queensland coach Kevin Walters will return to Red Hill next month, to serve as Bennet’s right-hand man.
Queensland Rugby League has also announced that Walters has agreed to extend his tenure as coach of the Queensland Maroons until 2020.
A key component of the contract extension is support for Walters to coach more regularly, with the QRL confirming the Maroons mentor has its blessing to return to the NRL next year as an assistant with the Brisbane Broncos.
After narrowly missing out on the coaching gig at the Gold Coast and with no head coaching roles available, Walters agreed to return home to Red Hill, where he played 242 first grade games under Bennett.
“It will be good to have Kevin back,” Bennett said. “He approached me recently about coming back.
“He feels that coaching three games a season with Queensland is not enough and he wanted to do some more hands-on coaching in an NRL system.
“Kevvie brought a lot to us the last time he was here. He knows the game really well, he has been a long-term coach and he is one of the club’s great players.
“He brings a lot that way, all his confidence, and beliefs. He has a lot of belief in himself and that rubs off on the players. He is good to have around the place, he makes the club enjoyable, he did it as a player with Allan Langer.”
When questioned about Walters succeeding himself for the head role, Bennett answered:
“Absolutely,” he said. “I’m not going to go on forever so can Kevin be the next coach of the Broncos? Certainly, he can.
“Kevvie and Jason are in the mix.
“I was really impressed with Jason this year, he did a very good job for us so I like what he brings and I like what Kevin brings.
“We’ve always been in pursuit of the best at the Broncos and nothing has changed there.
“Bringing Kevin on board helps us with our succession plan. Somewhere down the track, when I’m gone, hopefully, he or Jason will coach the Broncos.”
Walters was pleased to get the role at the club.
“I love coaching Queensland and I’m grateful that I can continue on in this role as we have a lot more work to do,” said Walters.
“I’m also excited about the opportunity to be involved in the NRL again. I can’t thank both the QRL and the Broncos enough for the opportunity.”
