“It’s not going to be difficult, we have to find a way to make it happen. They’re two quality players for us, both have been through the academy – I’d expect we’d be able to hang on to both of them,” Walters said.

“They both are going to demand a lot of money, but what we need to do is find a compromise with both players where they’re staying here, playing in a great side at a great club, taking a little bit less money possibly, but staying here and being successful.

“Kotoni’s a Bronco to the bone, so is Selwyn. My intention is to keep both of them.

“That’s what we want to do, and that’s what I want to do as the coach, and we have to find a way to make that happen.”

Walters’ men will seek a return to the winner’s circle against an in-form Rabbitohs unit without marquee No.1 Walsh, who remains out because of the NRL’s concussion protocols.

The 21-year-old was floored by a brutal hit by Joseph Suaalii seven minutes into the Maroons’ game one triumph, the second time this year he has been forced from the field for an extended period as teams hunt ways to shut down his influence.

Walters has been vocal about the game’s need to protect players from such contact, but declared his attacking linchpin would be in no doubt for Queensland’s bid to seal the series, rubbishing suggestions he would be gun shy.

“He’ll be back for Billy in Origin. I’d say Reece’s last seven minutes were enough in Origin I to suggest he’ll be there for Origin II,” Walters said, ahead of Maroons coach Billy Slater naming his squad on Monday.

“He’s from Nerang, they’re not gun shy down there. He’s as tough a player as you’ll ever see, so it’s not about his toughness and being belted; it’s about protecting him in a way that he should be protected on the field.”