Kevin Walters a chance to coach Maroons in handover from Mal Meninga Storm assistant Kevin Walters, left, talks to coach Craig Bellamy during a training session. MAL Meninga has sounded out Kevin Walters on his desire to coach Queensland as the Maroons' master mentor steps up the grooming process for his Origin successor. The Sunday Mail can reveal Walters is a frontline contender to lead the Maroons, with Meninga having travelled to Melbourne to discuss his succession plan with the Storm assistant coach. Walters, the Broncos legend who played 20 Origin matches between 1989-1999, said yesterday he would relish the prospect of coaching Queensland if Meninga wished to pass the baton. When Meninga decides to relinquish the post is the million-dollar question. The 52-year-old is contracted until the end of 2015, but has intimated moving into a coaching director's role to ensure a more seamless transition. A Queensland series loss this season may convince Meninga, unbeaten in seven series since his 2006 appointment, the Maroons need a fresh voice like Walters to spearhead their 2014 campaign. Meninga had identified Darren Lockyer as a potential successor, but it is believed the former Maroons skipper would prefer an assistant's role due to his growing media commitments. Walters has no formal NRL head coaching experience, but is keen to go down that path and Meninga believes he would benefit by presiding over the Maroons. "If someone else wants the job, for example I think 'Kevvie' Walters is ready for it ... if it's the right time for me to go I'm OK with that," Meninga said. He's been unlucky, 'Kevvie'. I think he would be a good coach of Queensland. He knows the game, he has that sense of fun, he does all that coaching with Melbourne. In my conversations with Darren (Lockyer), he would like to be involved behind-the-scenes. Whether he wants to be a head coach at this stage of his life, he is probably unsure, so we'll keep asking questions. I've spoken to 'Kevvie' about it (coaching Queensland). If I'm going to make the transition, I think I need to be around. Whether that be in a director's role or a supporting role, that's to be seen. Walters believes he is tailor-made to replace Meninga. If that would eventuate, that would be fantastic. I'd love to coach Queensland, for sure," Walters said. When Mal was down in Melbourne earlier this year, we caught up for a coffee, we had a chat about a few things and he mentioned the Origin job. Mal said he thought I'd be someone to take the baton. Like Mal, I've played Origin, I understand it, and I feel I'm ready to take it up another level.