Walters appointed Queensland coach

Kevin Walters has been confirmed as the new Queensland State of Origin coach to replace Mal Meninga.

Meninga has taken the Australian Kangaroos job and Maroons assistant coach Walters has been promoted.

Walters, who has been given a three-year contract, was Queensland’s second choice after North Queensland head coach Paul Green declined the position.

The 48-year old had a distinguished playing career with Brisbane, Queensland and Australia, has served as head coach of Catalans Dragons, Ispwich and Toowoomba, and as an assistant with Melbourne, the Broncos and Maroons.

“Coaching Queensland is something I’ve always wanted to do,” Walters said in a statement.

“It’s truly an honour to be in a position to coach such a fine group of players and to be entrusted with the responsibility of developing future Origin talent through our programs.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead, starting with the QAS Emerging Origin camps in the New Year.”