QRL statement: Kevin Walters
- Author
- Timestamp
The Queensland Rugby League has today congratulated Kevin Walters on his appointment as Brisbane Broncos head coach for the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
The new NRL appointment means Walters will relinquish the Queensland Maroons coaching position for the 2020 series and beyond.
“It gives us an enormous amount of satisfaction to see one of the state’s favourite footballing sons fulfil a career goal following his work with our pathway competitions and Queensland representative programs,” QRL managing director Robert Moore said.
“As a former premiership-winning player and assistant coach with the Broncos, Kevin is a great fit for the club.
“We’ve always said we’d never stand in his way if a coaching opportunity he coveted came up in the NRL.
“We also know how passionate he is about the Maroons, and it hasn’t been an easy step for him to relinquish his Origin role with such a big series coming up.
“On behalf of the QRL board and our fans, we thank Kevin for his commitment to the Maroons and acknowledge his many achievements since he took over in 2016.
“Not only did he claim consecutive series wins, but he oversaw an injection of new talent in our Origin program with 21 players getting their first taste of Origin football over the past four years.”
Moore said the process to appoint the new Maroons coach had commenced with the QRL having formed a sub-committee to explore all options.
“We hope to be in a position by the end of the week to announce the new coach for the 2020 series,” Moore said.
Walters said he loved coaching Queensland and was saddened he would not be able to spearhead another campaign against the New South Wales Blues.
'I'll always be part of the Queensland family'
“It’s been an incredible ride and I’m extremely proud of what we’ve been able to achieve, as well as the foundations we have built for the future,” Walters said.
“I’ve always felt I’ve had a responsibility towards rugby league in Queensland after everything the Maroons and the game has given me, and I’ll continue to assist with the team’s Origin preparations in any way that is possible.”
