Queensland coach Kevin Walters has already held preliminary talks with Gold Coast to become the NRL club’s next head coach, according to a News Corp report.
Just one day after the Titans sacked Neil Henry, Walters is believed to be one of 11 applicants to have contacted the club about the vacant role.
It is understood Canterbury coach Des Hasler will not be headhunted.
Walters has led the Maroons to back-to-back State of Origin series wins since taking over last year, and won 37 per cent of his games in two seasons at Catalans in the Super League.
The 49-year-old, who is contracted to coach Origin until the end of 2018, is expected to address the situation with Queensland Rugby League officials at a scheduled review on Thursday.
QRL chairman Bruce Hatcher has already stated he would consider releasing Walters from his contract to take up an opportunity at the NRL’s youngest franchise.
Titans chief executive Graham Annesley described Walters as a “quality prospect”.
“Kevin has done a great job with the Queensland team and of course he’d be a quality prospect if he was interested,” Annesley told News Corp.
“We have already received a number of applications from interested parties.
“A selection committee will be appointed to assess the relative merits of prospective candidates, before making a final recommendation to the board.”
Former Maroons star Corey Parker pointed to Walters’ success as a player and as an assistant coach at Melbourne (2010) and Brisbane (2014-15).
“That club needs someone that has a winning culture, a winning attitude,” Parker said on Fox Sports’ On The Couch With Sterlo on Tuesday.
“Kevvie’s certainly got that
“He’s won comps at Melbourne, he’s been at grand finals with Brisbane, he’s won six comps himself, so he understands that.
“That transition would be okay if he wants to go to that club.
“But Craig Hodges, who’s an assistant coach there at present, I think would be a great suit as well.
“He’s born and bred in the area, knows the system and he also understands rugby league.
“We’re talking about one with an established name and one without; but if Kevvie wanted to put his hand up, and I think it’s something he’s considering, you’d have to have a look at him.”
Gary Russell-Sharam
Guest
IMO He would be crazy to take up this gig. He's on a hiding to nothing trying to get Hayne to play well and be part of a team. Why on earth would he give up coaching Qld and the job he has at Fox. It would be far easier than coaching the titans with all their problems. Mark my words if he does take the job he will be out of a job inside of 3 years. Right now he has it all, the adoration of all Qlders and a good solid job at Fox why throw all that away. Seems madness to me
Nat
Roar Guru
Although Kevvie is one of quite a few meeting with Titans management he has the knowledge to get the best from this group. Having played with, assisted too and coached the very best in the game, he could man manage and develop a game plan to make the Titans a competitive force again. That said, he's got a pretty good wicket ATM between the Qld team and Fox so it would want to be a very good deal, with full team control, for him to take up the gig.
Con Scortis
Roar Guru
1. Kevvie takes over the Titans 2. Hayne flourishes under his guidance 3. Loz picks Hayne for the Blues again (of course he will) 4. The Blues win off the back of a rejuvenated Hayne (as per 2014) 5. NSW thanks Kevvie Chance of happening: between zero and zilch.
Vic Bitta
Guest
He would be a good choice but I would prefer Brennan. Titans are getting it together off field with a progressive board and exceptional facilities so now only need a good coach to improve the on field results and all will be fine. I would like to see Matt Rogers have a strong involvement as a role model to the younger guys.
Wild Eagle
Guest
The illusion that a coach like Kevvie Walters success at strong clubs can be transferred to a weaker club seems to remain unchallenged. Yet the reality is much different. Highly successful players like Meninga, Daley, Fittler and Cronin and plenty of others have had no impact at all on pedestrian rosters at club or rep level. Kevvie might be the right choice but he would need to have an excess of rocks in his head and be short a couple of important marbles to sign up for the Gold Coast Circus.