James Hooper says Kevin Walters is firming for vacant Titans coaching post
Mark St John, FOX SPORTS
July 25, 2019 12:04pm
James Hooper believes key Titans powerbrokers have identified Queensland mentor Kevin Walters as their preferred next Titans coach.
The Gold Coast are currently undergoing an interview process, but Hooper has backed Walters to be the coach as early as the end of this week.
“I know that Kevvie has said publicly that he doesn’t want to tip his hat and be part of an audition process and he doesn’t want to be interviewed for the position.
“But I get the feeling powerbrokers at the Titans behind the scenes have identified Kevvie as their key target and I think they want to make it happen.
“I think it might come to fruition by the end of this week or early next week.”
If Walters is appointed it would put an end to the much publicised interview process, which has thrown up names including Walters, Justin Holbrook and the Walker brothers.
However Hooper believes Walters is in the box seat despite public denials of interest.
“They have formed the committee of Mal Meninga, Darryl Kelly and Dennis Watt and behind the scenes they have obviously been hitting the phones,” Hooper said.
“They have been canvassing candidates and speaking to some of the key people involved.
“I think it is down to Kevin Walters and Justin Holbrook and I think Kevvie is the preferred option.”
Veteran journalist Paul Kent believes Walters’ public denials were a smokescreen to remove himself from the public auditions for the role.
Walters has previously missed out on the Broncos role, after extensive and public interview processes.
“Kevvie has played it perfectly. He didn’t want to become part of an auction,” Kent said.
“He just said if you want me come and get me, but I’m not going to go through all the hoops you need to find a coach.
“They did it last time and it spat out Garth Brennan even though he wasn’t part of the interview process.
“If they think Kevin is the best guy then give him the job.”
“I still get the feeling that Kevin Walters is firming by the day as the man most likely to take over and lead the Titans into a new era,” Hooper told NRL 360.
