‘Great opportunity’: Kevin Walters voices desire to make coaching return with new NRL franchise

Kevin Walters was unceremoniously sacked at the end of last year but the former Broncos coach may be set to return to the NRL.

Kevin Walters has put his hand up to become the inaugural Perth Bears coach less than a year on from being sacked by the Broncos.

Walters took Brisbane to the 2023 grand final, turning a promising crop of young players into premiership contenders.

But after an underwhelming 2024 campaign where they missed finals, he was unceremoniously dumped by the club.

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However, Walters may be back in charge of an NRL side sooner than expected, with the former coach reportedly put on the Bears shortlist.

The new NRL franchise is looking for a coach who can develop a group of players and build a roster before their introduction in 2027 and they reportedly view Walters as an ideal option.

And the former Broncos coach told Fox NRL on Saturday that he would love to lead the Bears in 2027.

“I’ve always said I want to coach. We will see where it goes but there hasn’t been a decision yet,” Walters told Fox.

“Coaching is my passion and because of my passion for the game to be part of pioneering in Perth excites me. To go there and set a club up, I think it’s a great opportunity.

“I like the decision by the NRL to bring in a club over there and I’d love to be part of it.”

You can watch Kevin Walters’ comments on the Perth Bears job above.

Kevin Walters has confirmed his interest in the Perth Bears job. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Mal Meninga voiced his desire to become an NRL coach. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)

There were suggestions early on Saturday that Walters was set to get the job, but while on Saturday he voiced his desire to be the new franchise’s coach, the 57-year-old told AAP nothing was confirmed yet.

“I have always said that coaching is my passion. I love coaching,” Walters told AAP.

“It was just a chat (so far with the Bears). I’m serious about it. I haven’t been offered the job. It was just informal discussions about whether I would be interested.

“I am (a career coach). It is in the blood. It has always been in the blood.”

Brad Arthur is also a leading candidate. (Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images)

Warrington coach Sam Burgess has also voiced his desire return to the NRL. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

It is understood Walters is on the Bears’ coaching shortlist, alongside former Parramatta coach Brad Arthur, Warrington mentor Sam Burgess and Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga.

Meninga also was vocal about wanting the job on Saturday, speaking on Fox NRL after the Dolphins-Warriors clash.

“I’ve thought long and hard about it. I feel I can offer plenty in the game,” Meninga said.

“I’m really keen on it, I got my hand up but if I don’t happen to get it I move on.”

Originally published as ‘Great opportunity’: Kevin Walters voices desire to make coaching return with new NRL franchise