Langer’s future at Red Hill is clouded in uncertainty after Walters’ sacking.
Queensland great Trevor Gillmeister has urged the Broncos to do everything in their power to convince club legend Allan Langer to stay at Red Hill, stating he is irreplaceable. Langer is reportedly considering walking away from his role at Brisbane after the sudden sacking of Kevin Walters.
Langer and Walters are great mates who have worked together over the last four seasons at the Broncos and before that for the Queensland State of Origin team. And Walters’ Broncos departure has reportedly rocked Langer to the point where the Queensland great has admitted he’s seriously considering walking away from the club.
Michael Maguire was officially confirmed as the new Broncos coach on Tuesday, replacing Walters after the former boss was let go after four seasons in charge. And while it is expected that the 50-year-old will make changes to the club’s backroom staff, it would come as a surprise if he didn’t want club legend Langer to remain as part of the coaching team.
Langer’s mate and revered former NRL hardman Gillmeister believes Maguire and the club must do everything in their power to convince the NRL great to stay put, stating his value to the club is priceless. “I have spoken to him a few times and he was dirty with what happened to Kevvie and I agreed with him,’’ Gillmeister told The Courier Mail.
“I really hope he stays but I can understand why he is so upset and it’s his decision. But they are not the Broncos without Alf. I cannot think of anyone at any other club who represents what Alf does at the Broncos.
“Apart from what he does with the team, there’s the marketing stuff that people don’t appreciate. Every time someone sees his face they think of the Broncos. That’s free advertising for the club… Hopefully, the new coach (Michael Maguire) can have a yak to him and he can make a decision.’”
Veteran reporter Robert Craddock echoed a similar sentiment about Langer’s importance to the club. “He is considering if he can get over the Walters situation,” Craddock told SEN. “Allan Langer and Kevin Walters have basically been joined at the hip for 40 years. Allan is a very loyal person and he was shocked and grieving deeply about the exit of Kev.
“I spoke to Allan the other day and what he did confirm is you can say that yeah I am contemplating my future over the next few weeks. And he has a right to be shattered so the question now is can Allan Langer lift himself out of this and be the person he wants to be for the Broncos or does he walk away… He is the soul of the club. He’s the little guy that captained them to four premierships. You couldn’t believe it then and you can’t believe it now. They love him, they really love him and they’d miss him (at the Broncos).”
Trevor Gillmeister believes Allan Langer is irreplaceable
Gillmeister also believes Langer would provide great balance to Maguire’s Brisbane side. Maguire’s hard-nosed coaching style is hoped to bring the best out of the youthful NRL outfit. And Gillmeister believes Langer’s relaxed nature mixed with a great football brain is the type of person Maguire would benefit in having as part of his coaching staff.
Langer played 240 games for the Broncos and won multiple premierships alongside Walters during their careers. Post their playing careers Langer has worked as an assistant coach and trainer under Walters since he took over the head coaching role in 2020, and also was alongside the coach when he was in charge of the Queensland State of Origin side. The NRL great is reportedly overseas with his family at the moment, but is said to be considering where his future lies.
Bennett tried to tempt Langer to the Dolphins for their inaugral NRL season but he stayed loyal to the Broncos, partially because of the presence of Walters. But if he does opt to leave there is likely no shortage of suitors who would love to have him at their NRL franchise.
