Walters confident of new deal and backs Holmes' Origin return

Kevin Walters remains calm and confident despite talks regarding his future as Queensland coach set to intensify this week.

Walters told pan66.com he will meet with Queensland Rugby League representatives on Friday to continue discussions about his long-term future.

He is contracted until the end of this year's Holden State of Origin series but has sought an extension.

When quizzed about whether he was confident we would remain Maroons coach beyond this year, Walters said "yeah definitely".

"We have ongoing talks there around my future," Walters said at the 2020 Origin launch in Adelaide.

"I'm not too concerned about it to be honest.

"I feel very privileged to be part of [the Maroons] and the position that I have.

"Regardless of what happens there, this year's series is a real focus of mine.

"I'm very excited about the future and what it holds – not only for myself – but also for the Queensland State of Origin team."

Walters said he still needed to discuss details around the length of his proposed extension with QRL officials before a new deal is formalised.

Like Walters, QRL chairman Bruce Hatcher said last weekend he wanted the current coach's future finalised by early March.

While there is ongoing speculation surrounding Walters' future, the Maroons mentor declared Valentine Holmes an automatic selection for this year's series opener on June 3, if the Cowboys recruit is fit.

Holmes missed last year's series after leaving the NRL to pursue a career in the NFL before returning to rugby league, signing a six-year deal with North Queensland.

"It's great for Queensland that he's back playing for the Cowboys and also, he'll be there for State of Origin as well," Walters said in Adelaide.

"History shows us… he's an Origin player. Some of the tries, some of the defence that he's pulled off puts him in that little special category of Origin players.

"He's an instinct player and often that's what wins State of Origin games.

"I know he's a magnificent acquisition for the Cowboys. I'm particularly excited with his combination with Michael Morgan. I'm sure he'll help Michael Morgan's game, which will help the Cowboys, which will help Queensland and that's very exciting from my point of view."

Holmes wasn't the only Cowboy who caught Walters' eye at a Maroons training camp last weekend.

Back-rower Coen Hess was overlooked for the entire 2019 series, despite playing five straight matches after debuting in game two, 2017.

"It's a big year for him," Walters said.

"It's a break out year and again just judging from the weekend, he's in for a hell of a big season.

"He was another player last year that sort of fell away with the Cowboys with their slump, but looking at him on the weekend, he looks fit, he looks strong.

"Determination and talent is something he has in bucket loads at the moment."