State of Origin: Kevin Walters re-signs as Queensland Maroons coach until 2021
Just a week after Origin rivals the Blues extended the deal of Brad Fittler, the Queensland Maroons have made their decision on the future of coach Kevin Walters
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The Queensland Rugby League has secured Kevin Walters’ future with their popular Origin coach clinching a contract upgrade to lead the Maroons until the end of 2021.
Just a week after Origin rivals the Blues extended the deal of Brad Fittler, the Maroons have thrown their support behind Walters, finalising months of negotiations by brokering a one-year extension.
Despite having lost the past two campaigns, the QRL has unwavering faith in Walters, whose new deal will see him preside over the Maroons for six series – making him one of Origin’s longest-serving coaches.
Walters started his Origin career with a bang, winning back-to-back crowns in 2016-17 succeeding Mal Meninga, and the former Maroons playmaker is adamant he has fresh ideas for the Queensland team.
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“I’m really grateful for the opportunity to have another year,” Walters said.
“I love coaching Queensland and I have more to give the team and the state. I love everything about the job and what it means, not only to myself, but also the players and the state of Queensland.
“We have a great side and I don’t see it as a rebuilding period at all, we have some great players in key positions like Cameron Munster, Kalyn Ponga and Daly Cherry-Evans.
“Origin will be at the end of the year (in November) for the first time this year and I’m excited to see the new calendar and how we handle that.
“While I am pleased to get the contract talks finalised for next year, my focus has always been on the 2020 series and making sure we get our preparation spot on.”
While Walters has inked a new deal with the Maroons, QRL bosses have agreed they will not stand in his way if the Broncos legend was offered the opportunity to one day coach in the NRL.
The crisis-stricken Broncos are under pressure to reach out to Walters in an assistant’s capacity and the Queensland Origin coach has no doubt he could juggle both roles if necessary.
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QRL managing director Robert Moore said the extension would provide further stability ahead of the Maroons’ 2020 campaign as Walters looks to avert NSW claiming a hat-trick of titles.
“Kevvie is an immensely popular and respected figure amongst the playing group and support staff, and he understands Origin and what makes the players tick,” Moore said.
“Loyalty and respect have been cornerstones of the Maroons’ success, and the opportunity to extend his time with our Origin and representative program is certainly in line with these values.”
Since Walters took the job in 2016, he has blooded a staggering 21 debutants, while farewelling some of the Maroons’ greatest players, including Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston and Greg Inglis.
Originally published as State of Origin: Kevin Walters re-signs as Queensland Maroons coach until 2021