Brisbane Broncos Coach Kevin Walters Announces Departure

Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters has made the surprising announcement that he will be stepping down from his position after four years. Despite leading the team to the NRL grand final last year, the Broncos have struggled this season and failed to reach the finals.

In a statement released on Thursday, Walters expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to coach the team he holds so dear. "Aside from playing here, it's been the greatest thrill and honour of my life to have coached the Broncos," he said. "Coaching in the NRL takes a toll, not just on the coach but also their family, 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."

Walters acknowledged the progress the team has made during his tenure, stating, "I'm grateful to the club for providing me with the opportunity to be head coach and we have come a long way from the wooden spoon to last year's run to the grand final. I wish the team and the club all the best."

As a player, Walters was a legend for the Broncos, participating in five premiership-winning teams and playing 241 games for the club. Since becoming head coach in 2020, he has coached 99 games.

Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy expressed the club's gratitude for Walters' contributions. "We owe a debt of gratitude to Kevin, for the enormous role he's played as head coach over the past four years," he said. "Kevin put his heart and soul into the club during his time as coach."

Donaghy also highlighted Walters' passion for the Broncos, stating, "He is one of the most passionate people you will ever meet when it comes to the Broncos and that helped lift us out of a really difficult time." While acknowledging the loss of Walters' leadership, Donaghy expressed hope that he will remain involved with the club in some capacity. "While we will miss Kev and his infectious personality on a daily basis, we certainly don't want one of the Broncos favourite sons not to stay involved with our great club," he added.