Jets coaches honoured
IPSWICH Jets co-coaches Ben and Shane Walker have been named Queensland Cup coaches of the year.
The Jets mentors received the award at the Queensland Rugby League presentation on Wednesday night.
The pair led the Jets to fourth place in the minor premiership, with a home semi-final against third-placed Norths at the North Ipswich Reserve tomorrow.
The Jets had another award winner in FOGS Cup (Reserve grade) player of the year Khan Ahwang.
Jets five-eighth Brendon Lindsay polled highly for player of the year in top grade, finishing fifth behind award winner and former Jets player Luke Capewell.
"It's terrific for the club and the boys," Jets chief executive officer Brad Wolens said.
Wolens said the Jets' form this season was a tribute to the Walkers' man-management skills and their footballing knowledge.
"They're guys who seem to get along well with everyone," Wolens said.
"There's not much negativity around them. The fact the team plays some really attacking footy probably helped.
"That's shown the times we've been on TV, other than the last one (loss to Norths last weekend)."
The only teams to finish above the Jets were the Brisbane Broncos-backed feeder clubs Wynnum Manly, Norths and Redcliffe.
The Jets have had to do without similar support, adding credit to the job the Walkers have done.
If the brothers can transfer their award into the ultimate success of a Queensland Cup title, the next step would seem to be the National Rugby League.
But the fact they come as a duo might make it tough, Wolens says.
"Ben Ikin was saying (at the presentation evening) that it will be difficult for them as dual coaches," Wolens said. "NRL clubs don't take two people."
Wolens admitted he had similar reservations when giving the pair the top job following Glenn Lazarus's departure at the end of 2010, when the Jets collected the wooden spoon.
The concerns proved unfounded.
"It's never been a problem," Wolens said. "They bounce things off each other.
"The performances on the field indicate it works."
