The NZ Warriors have denied reports that they have agreed a deal to sign brothers Shane and Ben Walker to replace Stephen Kearney for 2021.
Less than 24 hours after Warriors chief executive Cameron George said he'd interviewed the pair for the vacant role, the ABC reported the brothers, who previously coached the Ispwich Jets in the Intrust Super Cup, had agreed to a one-year deal for the 2021 NRL season.
But George was quick to deny the reports, telling Newshub they are "not correct".
The Courier-Mail also reported that Shane Walker said he had "heard nothing" about the Warriors job.
The Warriors have been on the hunt for a new head coach after sacking Stephen Kearney on June 20. Todd Payten has been serving as interim since, a role he'll keep for the remainder of the 2020 season.
George is among the selection panel who are interviewing candidates alongside club owner Mark Robinson, chairman Rob Croot, and Warriors legend Simon Mannering.
Many coaches have ruled themselves out of contention for the role, including Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy, South Sydney Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett, Sydney Roosters assistant Craig Fitzgibbon, Storm assistant coach Jason Ryles and Nathan Brown - who worked as a consultant at the Warriors earlier this year.
Reports earlier in the week suggested it was down to a two-horse race between Payten and England boss Shaun Wane, but on Thursday, George told NRL.com he was impressed after interviewing the Walker brothers.
"The Walker brothers bring a lot to the table as coaches and we are leaving no stone unturned," George told NRL.com.
"They bring several attributes to the game that are refreshing, innovative and certainly could enhance our individual players' talent.
"Everyone loves to see an exciting brand of footy and footballers play to their potential and from what I have seen the Walkers focus on that.
"They are very focused on player development and individuals meeting their greatest potential, which is what we are all trying to do on and off the field in footy. That was a key part of their message to us which is great."
The Walker brothers have no NRL head coaching experience but have had plenty of success in the Queensland Cup, leading the Ipswich Jets to glory in 2015, winning both the Intrust Super Cup and State Championship.
Their success is due to their unique style of play called 'contract football', a philosophy where players are encouraged to pass the ball to a teammate in a better position while maintaining possession for as long as possible.
The Warriors are currently 13th on the NRL ladder and face the Cronulla Sharks in their next match on Sunday.
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