Maroons coach Kevin Walters has ruled himself out of the running for the vacant Titans’ head coaching position, declaring he’s happy coaching Queensland for the time being.

According to nrl.com, Walters revealed his intentions on Sky Sports Radio, describing the job as an “excellent opportunity”… for someone else.

“No, I am still happy with what I am doing here,” Walters said. “That would be an excellent opportunity for someone, but just right now I am sticking with the QRL.”

Walters was the early favourite to fill the spot after the termination of Neil Henry, but it would appear that the Titans are going to have to look elsewhere.

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Shortly after the sacking of coach Neil Henry from the Titans, it was quickly reported that Maroons coach Kevin Walters was a favourite for the position, and had even held preliminary talks with the club.

That’s apparently not the case though, with Walters himself denying any interest in the job, while appearing on Queenslanders Only.

“There’s been a lot of speculation around the Titans job and particularly including myself, but I’m contracted next year with the Queensland Rugby League to be the Origin coach,” Walters said. “I signed a three-year deal, and I haven’t had any talks with the Titans about the possibility of me going there and coaching, that’s just non-existent.”

“The job doesn’t interest me because I’m currently contracted, and if I go outside those boundaries I put my position at the QRL in jeopardy, which I don’t want to do.”

Other coaches linked to the role include the Walker brothers, who declared their interest on Tuesday; and Panthers ISP coach Garth Brennan, who neither confirmed not denied his interest to Channel 7 on Wednesday night.

Related NRL News & Posts:

• 11 applicants already for Titans gig, Walters included
• NRL approves Henry sacking, Walters possible option
• Dragons, Titans chasing Oates
• Peachey requests release from Titans deal, Titans say ‘no’
• Peachey looking to backflip on Titans

If you thought that the Titans being a clusterfudge might deter prospective coaches from seeking the role, you’d be sadly mistaken (though we’re not surprised – with only 16 NRL head coaching jobs in existence, it’d be wise for any interested coach to take any opportunity that’s available).

According to AAP, News Corp have reported that 11 applicants have contacted the Titans about their interest in the role, including Maroons coach Kevin Walters.

Walters is reported to have already held preliminary talks with the club, and is expected to discuss the situation with QRL officials on Thursday.

Titans boss Graham Annesley said a selection committee will be appointed to make a recommendation to the board, but praised 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 said.

Walters has coached the Maroons for 6 matches, with a winning percentage of 66.7%. Prior to that, he spent two seasons as head coach at the Catalans Dragons, winning 39.7%.

Related NRL News & Posts:

• NRL approves Henry sacking, Walters possible option
• Dragons, Titans chasing Oates
• Peachey requests release from Titans deal, Titans say ‘no’
• Peachey looking to backflip on Titans
• Roberts returns to Titans