Kevin Walters

It is hard to find someone more passionate about Queensland, given Kevin Walters has served the Maroons as a player, and coach.

He gave his all on the field, and as Origin coach, had the full backing of his players with his 'heart-on-sleeve' approach.

A talented five-eighth or halfback, Walters played 20 Origin matches, making his debut in Game III of the 1989 series, the same year as his twin brother, Kerrod who played his first match in Game I.

Although born in Rockhampton, Walters is better known as one of Ipswich’s favourite sons, having played for Booval Swifts and Ipswich Jets (under Tom Raudonikis), before joining Canberra Raiders in 1987, and coming off the bench to replace Mal Meninga in the grand final loss to Manly.

Walters also came off the bench in the Raiders' inaugural grand final win - against Balmain - in 1989. The following year, he joined the Broncos, and went on to win five premierships, captaining Brisbane from the halfback spot in the 2000 grand final win over the Roosters. Walters played more finals matches than any other Bronco.

His Origin career extended from 1989 to 1999, and he captained Queensland in his final appearance.

His finest season was 1998, when Queensland regained the Origin Shield from the Blues, after two losing campaigns.

Walters played 11 Tests for Australia and toured Britain and France with the 1990 and 1994 Kangaroos. He was one of the heroes of Australia's 10-6 win over Britain in the 1992 World Cup final at Wembley, creating the winning try for Broncos' and Queensland team mate, Steve Renouf.

It was a huge ask for Walters, succeeding Wally Lewis as Queensland five-eighth in 1992. But despite the pressure, he showed admirable fortitude to prove he was worthy of the fabled number 6 jersey.

Origin is the pinnacle of our game. I love Queensland and I am very passionate about Queensland.

Kevin Walters FOG #63

Walters joined English club, Warrington in 2001, but after only four matches, returned to Brisbane, where he turned out once more for the Broncos, before retiring.

He joined the Broncos' coaching staff, and then had stints as coach of the Ipswich Jets and Catalans Dragons in France, and later being part of the Melbourne Storm and Newcastle Knights' staff.

Walters took over as Queensland coach from Mal Meninga in 2016, and won back-to-back series.

He took on the Broncos' head coaching role in 2021.