State of Origin 2016: Maroons coach Kevin Walters had his big brother worried
STEVE Walters has been State of Origin manager for 15 years — but this week he was more worried than he’s ever been before.
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STEVE Walters has been State of Origin manager for 15 years and radiates the soothing vibe of a man whose seen it all before.
This week was different. He felt nervous. Worried. No one could blame him.
Walters has seen at close range his younger brother Kevin’s long journey to get a senior coaching role and how much victory in his first game in charge of the State of Origin team meant.
Steve tried to detach himself from the emotion of it all before the game but at times his emotions would not listen.
“In all honesty, it was really hard,’’ Steve said.
“I said to myself before the camp started I needed to take a step back and look at it through unbiased eyes. It is very hard when your brother is involved.
“I was worried for him. I always have a chat to the whole group before we go to the game but I was was really nervous talking to them tonight because it was Kevin.
“I have been doing this for 15 years and been to 45 camps as a manager but this felt different.
“We got to the game and I thought he deserved a good result but it was quite challenging because it was the first one for us.’’
After viewing Kevin’s coaching style from close range Steve sensed Queensland players would have found it comfortably familiar.
“I think Kevin’s and Mal’s (Meninga) temperament are pretty similar. Both are pretty jovial.
“When he spoke he did not try to change. He never tried to pretend he was anyone else. He was honest from the start. He told them how excited he was.
“He has always been good tactically wise. When he was with Alfie Langer Kevin would run the show and Alf would do the plays. He has always had good vision and could read what was happening with players. It is a natural skill.’’
“I’m just really please it worked out for him because he deserved it.’’
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