The Gold Coast Titans' search for a new coach has begun, but Queensland mentor Kevin Walters has not been contacted, according to a report by Fairfax Media.
Walters surprisingly ruled himself out of the Gold Coast coaching race last Sunday following Garth Brennan's mid-season sacking. However, the Titans are still reportedly interested in Walters despite the lack of contact, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
The club will begin interviews with other candidates this week, including St Helens coach Justin Holbrook, who is also eyeing the Canterbury job.
But with Dean Pay looking safe at the moment, Holbrook will be Gold Coast's main target should Walters be unavailable, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
The 43-year old has led St Helens to a dominant season in the Super League, winning 20 of their 22 matches to far this season.
Titans caretaker coach Craig Hodges was non committal when asked if he would apply for the permanent job after his side's loss to the Storm on Sunday.
"I don't want to keep going over it every time I sit in front of you," Hodges told reporters.
"Everybody that coaches in our game would love to coach NRL. Everybody has those aspirations. But the reality is if you have watched any of our football this year and where we are, we have far more important things which need to be addressed immediately than what I do or don't want to do with my career."
Other coaches to apply for the role include Walker brothers, Jim Dymock and former Manly coach Geoff Toovey, while Holbrook and Walters remain the club's main targets.