North Queensland coach Paul Green has expressed an interest in coaching Queensland’s State of Origin team if Kevin Walters leaves the Maroons.
Reports have surfaced claiming Cowboys officials wouldn’t stand in Green’s way if he’s approached by the Queensland Rugby League.
Walters is considered to be a frontrunner for the vacant Gold Coast job following Garth Brennan’s sacking last weekend.
The 51-year-old has publicly stated he’s not interested in the position but the Titans have indicated he’d be a “strong candidate” should he change his mind.
Walters’ current contract with the QRL expires in 2020 and after back-to-back series losses, another unsuccessful campaign may lead to the Maroons looking elsewhere.
However it comes about, Green would welcome the chance to lead his state.
“I’ve mentioned previously that I would like to get a crack at that at some stage,” Green said.
The 46-year-old, who played seven Origins for the Maroons, has been Cowboys coach since 2014 and won the club’s maiden NRL premiership in 2015.
He didn’t rule out combining the Cowboys role with an Origin commitment if that situation arose as well.
Veteran coach Wayne Bennett has already said he’d combine his current job with South Sydney with the Origin position if approached by the QRL.
“People have done it in the past,” Green said.
“If you’ve got good support around you, there’s no reason why you probably can’t.”