FOGS backlash didn’t sway Paul Green’s decision to reject Maroons coaching job

PAUL Green has insisted the FOGS backlash had nothing to do with his decision to knock back the Queensland Origin job as coach.

Cowboy's Head Coach Paul Green during the open training session at 1300 SMILES Stadium, Townsville, ahead of their Grand final match this weekend. Picture: Wesley Monts

PAUL Green has insisted the FOGS backlash had nothing to do with his decision to knock back the Queensland Origin job as Kevin Walters bolted into favouritism to be appointed Mal Meninga’s successor.

On Thursday, Green spurned an offer from the Queensland Rugby League to lead the Maroons, opting to focus his energy on North Queensland’s premiership defence.

The QRL threw a curveball a fortnight ago when it made Green its No. 1 target with many believing Walters had been groomed to replace the Kangaroos-bound Meninga.

Wayne Bennett and Steve Renouf questioned why Walters have been overlooked and how a fulltime NRL coach could juggle the increasingly demanding Origin duties.

Green ultimately made the “tough decision” himself after deliberating with chairman Laurence Lancini, who made it clear the board had concerns about the demands of juggling both roles.

“No, not at all,” Green said when asked if the backlash had affected his decision.

Kevin Walters was originally overlooked for the Maroons coaching job.

“It shows how passionate everyone is about Queensland. That’s why you always get strong opinions about it.

KNOCKED BACK: Green says no to Maroons coaching gig

“People care a lot about this team. It’s been such a great team for so long.

“In the end that’s not what swayed my decision. What was important for me was what was best for Queensland and best for the Cowboys.

“It was difficult to be honest. I played Origin and I know what it means to people who have played it and everyone in the state who supports the team.”

The Cowboys will enter 2016 with a target on their back having won their first premiership this year.

The club has experienced the demands of having an Origin coach at the helm after the late Graham Murray guided NSW in 2006-07 but Green said he felt he could handle both roles.

“I do (think I could do both) but it’s probably not really worth talking about because I’m not going to do it,” he said.

“I wouldn’t have considered it as much as I did if I didn’t feel I could do the job.

“The (board) were positive about it but they were also aware how it would impact on my time at different times of the year.

“There’s always expectation in every season for every club. There’s a lot of pressure on teams and clubs nowadays.

“Being the premiers … people say you’re the hunted but teams always seem to lift for us.

“All things considered at the moment the timing’s not right.”

Walters, Meninga’s assistant for six years, is now favourite to be offered the job despite initially being overlooked.

Walters held discussions with the QRL before Green was approached and has kept a dignified silence throughout, ensuring he remains in contention for the role.

While he was reportedly “shattered” after being overlooked, it’s hard to see Walters knocking back the job if the QRL offers it to him.

Walters could not be contacted on Thursday night but Bennett gave him his blessing to quit his assistant coach role at the Broncos, leaving the door open for him to make a return to Red Hill in 2017.

The QRL is unlikely to make an appointment before the new year.

“I’ve got no comment on candidates,” said QRL chairman Peter Betros.

“We’re going through a selection process. Maybe Peter Betros might be the coach.”

If Walters is appointed coach, it’s likely he would retain much of the support staff and systems Meninga had in place for his nine series wins in 10 years.