There are many challenges facing rookie Queensland State of Origin coach Kevin Walters.

One that will become more pressing in the next couple of seasons is the expected retirement of a host of stars.

Talking to NITV’s Justin Hodges on League Nation Live, Walters says with the likes of Johnathon Thurston (pictured) and Greg Inglis approaching the latter stages of their careers, the task will be to minimise the negative effect on the side that has as many as 10 players aged thirty or older.