The Maroons coach has been heavily linked to the Gold Coast following Neil Henry’s sacking on Monday and has remained tight-lipped. Until now.

The six-time NRL Premiership-winner is touted as Wayne Bennett’s successor at the Broncos after the master coach’s current contract runs out in 2019, just shy of his 70th birthday.

Walters’ agreement with the QRL expires around the same time giving weight to speculation he will take over at Brisbane, a club where he won five premierships.

However, Walters was coy when pressed on taking over at the Glitter Strip.      

“I am currently contracted and if I go outside those boundaries I put my position at Queensland Rugby League in jeopardy and I don’t want to do that,” Walters told Fox League.

“I’m still on a high from Origin. I want to get into the NRL at some stage, but I just don’t think it’s the right time to be talking about it now.”

However, QRL boss Bruce Hatchett said publicly the QRL would release Walters if he wanted the Titans gig.

“Look, it’s in your face every day,” Walters said. “Obviously every time I pick up a newspaper or turn on the news it’s that I’m linked to the Titans job. I haven’t had any conversations with the Titans on any issues.

“Sure they are looking for a coach. But when I do make that step into the NRL it’s got to be a job that suits me and suits the type of coach I am with regards to how I do things. Is that the Titans? I don’t know.”

Walters, who turns 50 in November, said he did not feel pressured to take the Gold Coast job despite limited NRL head coaching positions in Queensland.  

“Opportunities (in the NRL) come up all the time,” Walters said.  

“I really love doing my Origin job and it would take something very special to remove me from that situation.”