Brisbane Broncos players did not know that Kevin Walters would be stepping down as coach on Thursday, with halfback Adam Reynolds finding out was finished via the news.
“We were as surprised as anyone when the news broke – we still haven’t heard anything official,” said Reynolds, after Walters announced he would be stepping down as coach after a tough end of season review.
“Kevvie is one of the main reasons I came to the club.
“I’m naturally disappointed. I have a lot of respect for him.
“I don’t know what else to say until the club communicates with us.
“We’re all trying to find out what’s going on.
“He’s a great coach and I love his coaching style.
“It’s been a tough year. Everything that could have gone wrong went wrong.”
The announcement comes off the back of the Broncos finishing 12th in 2024, after they made last year’s NRL grand final and were rated as title contenders pre-season by NRL bookmakers.
Walters contract had been extended to 2025, with Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy recently declaring his support for Walters, saying he would be coaching the club next year.
The decision to leave the Broncos top job was framed as being instigated by Walters.
“Coaching in the NRL takes a toll, not just on the coach but also their family,” Walters said.
“It’s time for me to step away and spend some quality time with my loved ones, who have supported me all the way over the last four years.”
However, many in the rugby league ecosystem are not convinced that the decision was made by Walters.
Former Bronco Shane Webcke said on Friday morning that he doubts Walters would step away for the reasons he gave.
“Kevvie’s known that the whole time he’s been a coach,” Webcke said.
“So that’s not something that’s come up yesterday.
“It does smell like now they’re trying to sort of put nice, pretty wallpaper over it and call it something that it’s not.
“I see that as a terrible weakness as well.
“If you’re going to make a tough call, call it what it is.
“Don’t try and turn it into something that’s not.”
Broncos CEO stands by Walters decision in Friday press conference
The Broncos doubled down on their position in a press conference on Friday, however.
“We reached a position collectively where we agreed and accepted that Kev’s time as head coach has come to an end,” Donaghy said.
Walters was in attendance at the press conference, but refused to answer any questions from journalists, instead giving a simple statement thanking the club.
“My time here has been very joyful I’ve got to say,” he said.
“A lot of my time here has been good times.
“Also, like everyone has their dry moments and their moments where you learn and you get better.
“That’s certainly been the case for me in the last four years.
“I am really proud of the fact that when I arrived here, the club wasn’t in great shape.
“I feel that myself along with a lot of other good staff and people here have shaped the club into today.”
Speculation has already began about who will replace Walters with Queensland State of Origin coach Billy Slater named as one of the early contenders.
