Hodges backs Qld call for Walters

He hasn’t even spoken to Queensland Rugby League bosses yet.

But the queue of Kevin Walters backers continues to form, with Maroons great Justin Hodges the latest to endorse him as the man to replace Mal Meninga.

Walters has been deemed the favourite to fill the huge shoes left behind by dominant Maroons mentor Meninga by the man himself, despite not even meeting with Queensland officials yet.

Walters said he was not taking anything for granted as he vied for the coveted spot with the likes of super coach Wayne Bennett and Cowboys’ premiership mentor Paul Green before the Queensland board meets to decide Meninga’s successor in January.

However, he has an all-star fan club pushing his cause after Hodges and Brisbane veteran Corey Parker became the latest to jump on the Walters bandwagon.

“Kevvie is definitely ready for coaching Origin,” retired 24-game Queensland veteran Hodges told the Former Origin Greats website.

“He’s been part of the Queensland set-up for a few years now and, having played for the Maroons, he understands what Origin is about.

“Kevvie is as good a choice as anyone.”

Parker said notorious practical joker Walters would provide the right mix as Queensland coach as they looked to begin life without Meninga.

“Kevvie has that balance. He has a great knowledge of the game but he still has that fun side which he adapts to a lot of people with,” he said.

“The good thing Mal has done the past 10 years has included some quality assistants around the group and Kevvie is one of them.

“Kevvie stands out with his knowledge first and foremost.

“He has done everything in the game at the highest level, he has coached, played for Queensland, won five grand finals…he has done everything.”

For the record, Walters wasn’t getting too carried away by the intensifying interest in his claims.

“I haven’t had any talks to be honest,” he told the Broncos website.

“They have got a process to go through to find the next Queensland coach.

“I don’t even know when that time frame is for them to make that decision.

“But I am certainly keen on the post.”

However, Walters vowed to be himself if handed the Maroons reins.

“I would be privileged,” he said.

“The way Mal (Meninga) has set things up, whoever gets the job, it will be one that is very treasured.

“You have to add your own touch to anything.

“But if I try to be like them and do what they do that’s not the way I should do things.

“I have got to be myself and my personality is different.”

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