Walters off to Melbourne Storm

IPSWICH'S favourite son Kevin Walters is set to take on a new challenge as assistance coach for the Melbourne Storm.

What assistant coach Kevin Walters might look like in a Melbourne Storm jersey. . Picture: Photo modified

TO take a step forward sometimes means you need to take a few steps back first.

It certainly applies to one of Ipswich’s favourite sons in Kevin Walters and the National Rugby League club he has just joined as assistant coach, Melbourne Storm.

It has taken a stint with the Ipswich Jets, in which he took them to the 2008 Queensland Cup grand final, and two years in the European Super League with Catalans Dragons to make up the ground lost after Wayne Bennett cut him loose from the Brisbane Broncos coaching staff in 2005.

The Storm are looking to recover from a 2010 spent playing for nothing but pride, as part of their punishment for rorting the salary cap.

“When I heard they had a couple of assistants leaving, I approached them,” Walters said of how the Storm job came about.

He admitted it was a big boost for him professionally, though he never doubted himself.

“I’ve always had a lot of confidence in my ability as a coach,” he said.

“I think my record shows that.

“But Craig (Bellamy) has shown faith and confidence in me, for which I’m grateful.”

Walters worked with Storm head coach Bellamy under Bennett at the Broncos and the pair played together at Canberra in the late 1980s.

“We’ve got a good relationship,” Walters said. “He’s a really solid guy who knows his footy. I feel I can bring some of my own stuff.”

Walters flies to Melbourne tomorrow to start work on Monday.

He is yet to discuss his role with Bellamy and the Storm but feels he can bring plenty to the club.

“We haven’t sat down and had any great discussion,” he said.

“Obviously Melbourne are one of the stronger clubs.

“Unfortunately they had some problems this year.

“But there’s still some real quality amongst the ranks.

“I know Craig is keen to start again with a fresh approach.”

Walters’ two seasons with Catalans in France has provided that.

“There’s some attack stuff I’d like to be involved with and some defensive strengthening,” Walters said of his role at the Storm.

“Everyone’s attack is pretty much the same so I’ll try and bring a few options that may work.”

How the Storm bounce back from their annus horribilis of 2010 remains to be seen but Walters thinks it is no different to any of the other clubs chasing the premiers.

“Apart from St George, everyone is looking to improve for next season,” he said.

“Everyone likes to think they’re a chance for the eight (team semi-finals) I’d imagine.

“I haven’t sat down with Craig and looked at the roster but with players like Cooper Cronk, Cameron Smith and Billy Slater, I think the expectation is of a very competitive season.”

Walters had signed on as Brisbane Easts Queensland Cup head coach for next season but the club was not going to stand in his way of taking the Storm job.

“Easts were very understanding,” Walters said. “The Melbourne job came from left field.

“It wasn’t planned but the opportunity was too good to miss and Easts were very good about it.”

So unexpected was it, Walters has not had time to work out living arrangements.

He will travel between Melbourne and Brisbane until Christmas, by which time he hopes to make a decision on relocating his family.

Originally published as Walters off to Melbourne Storm