QRL confirms contract extension for Walters

The Queensland Rugby League has extended the contract of Queensland Maroons head coach Kevin Walters by a further 12 months, taking him through until the end of the 2021 State of Origin series.

QRL managing director Robert Moore said the extension would provide further stability ahead of the Maroons’ 2020 campaign.

“Kevie 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 Kevie’s time with our Origin and representative program is certainly in line with these values.”

Walters said he loved everything about coaching the Maroons. 

"I'm very grateful for the 12-month extension that the QRL Board have provided me,” Walters said.

“I believe that the Maroons are in a position of strength and I am excited about the future of our Origin team.

“While I am pleased to get the contract talks finalised for next year, my focus is on the 2020 series in November.”

Walters feels the schedule change brought about by COVID-19 will benefit the Maroons.

“There is a strong connection within the Queensland squad and we will be ready for Game I,” Walters said.

This year will be Walters’ fifth series in charge of the Maroons, who have won two of the past four series.

Since Walters took the job in 2016, he has farewelled some of the state’s greatest players and welcomed the selection of 21 debutants including Cameron Munster, Kalyn Ponga, Jai Arrow and David Fifita.