After knocking back the Gold Coast Titans, Kevin Walters says he now wants to oversee a smooth transition for Queensland as they prepare to farewell some of their biggest names.
But Walters does not believe Maroons skipper Cameron Smith was walking away from State of Origin any time soon.
Not off-contract until 2018, Walters is still expected to re-sign with the QRL in the coming weeks after ruling himself out of the running to replace sacked Titans coach Neil Henry.
Walters said he wanted to one day become an NRL coach but only after overseeing what he believed was one of Queensland's most important periods.
"I want to provide stability," Walters told the Former Origin Greats website.
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"I know we have some real battles ahead and I want to see us through that period.
"I want to be around for that transition when all the older guys do retire and we have to start with a new group."
Johnathan Thurston has played his last game for Queensland while a question mark remains over Cooper Cronk, Billy Slater and Sam Thaiday.
Walter sees no end to Smith's dominance.
The Melbourne skipper will run out for his 356th NRL game on Saturday, eclipsing Darren Lockyer's record mark.
He has already leapfrogged Lockyer in the record books for most Origins, notching 42 and counting.
"I can't see any reason why Cam won't play on next year," Walters said.
"He's been a great player for Queensland but he will become even more important for me next season, if that's possible."
Walters said he would need Smith's guidance as they prepare for life without some of their other greats.
"Johnathan Thurston is moving on for sure and I'm not sure where things stand with Cooper - the World Cup at the end of the year will tell us a lot more about his rep future," he said.
"But Cam is showing no signs of slowing down.
"His form this year for Melbourne has been exceptional and I'll be looking to his leadership with so many young players coming through for Queensland in the coming years."
