LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Kevin Walters has expressed interest in becoming the inaugural coach of the Perth Bears, entering a contest for the role alongside Mal Meninga.
After being dismissed as the Brisbane Broncos coach last year, Walters transitioned to commentary with Fox League but has remained eager to return to the coaching scene.
He revealed that he has been approached regarding the Bears position, which is set to enter the NRL in 2027.
"I have always said that coaching is my passion.
I love coaching," Walters stated following an informal meeting with NRL and Bears officials.
He clarified, "I haven't been offered the job.
It was just informal discussions about whether I would be interested.
I am (a career coach).
It is in the blood.
It has always been in the blood."
Walters is now on a shortlist of candidates for the coaching position that includes well-known figures like Meninga, former Parramatta coach Brad Arthur, and England's Sam Burgess.
Both Arthur and Burgess are actively coaching in the Super League, with Arthur at Leeds and Burgess at Warrington.
Meninga, currently the coach of the Australian Kangaroos, has had a storied coaching career, leading the Queensland Maroons to eight consecutive State of Origin victories and previously coaching the Canberra Raiders.
However, there are concerns regarding Meninga's applicability as a head coach at the NRL level, with some suggesting his strengths lie more in mentorship roles for representative teams.
As enthusiasm builds among NRL fans for the new franchise, the competition for the coaching job is heating up, setting the stage for an intense showdown between two prominent coaching figures.