Kevin Walters has been labelled as the “fall guy” for the Broncos’ sudden fall from grace as the NRL world comes to terms with his sudden departure from the club.
The club legend split from the Broncos on Thursday night with mixed reports over whether he quit or was sacked.
Either way, there was an agreement to part ways immediately with the 2024 season taking a heavy toll on Walters, who went from being minutes away from the NRL premiership in 2023 to 12th place this year.
READ: Broncos bombshell as club legend Walters quits after review
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The Courier Mail’s Peter Badel, who reports that Walters was sacked, said that the ex-coach paid a heavy price for his players’ underperformance — and for the club’s brutal post-season review.
“The review of Kevvie wasn’t very favourable and there were some major concerns around some of the standards at the club — a real decline in certain areas.” he told SEN.
“And it’s hard to sack 15-20 players but its easier to sack one person and unfortunately Kevvie is the collateral damage here.
“He’s the fall guy.”
Badel said that he “felt a little bit empty” about the news, adding: “I feel a touch of sadness for Kevvie … it’s a brutal decision. It’s an understandable one in many degrees, but they’ve made a pretty swift and proactive call.”
Former Cronulla and Gold Coast star Mat Rogers suggested the fact Walters was also coaching his son, Billy, might’ve played a role in the decision.
Rogers reflected on playing under his own father, Steve, at the Sharks, and the problems that created before he left the club.
“Let’s not shy away from the fact he’s coaching his son in that high-pressure job as well,” Rogers said on SEN.
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“There’s been a lot of pressure on both, and I can tell you, I left Cronulla because my dad was my boss and I wanted to get my dad back.
“They’ve been under a lot of pressure this year … I’m sure he’d want to be coaching there but when the writing is on the wall, maybe he thinks it’s time (to leave) as much as they do.”
Former Penrith Panther Scott Sattler added that the cracks were starting to show earlier this month when Walters took offence from a question from Courier Mail NRL reporter Travis Meyn.
“You know what I think the circuit breaker might’ve been for Kevvie, just emotionally? It might’ve been the way he responded to a question by Travis Meyn post-game after a loss when it was a response to the effect of, ‘you seem to know what you’re talking about. Where do you think we’re going wrong?’” Sattler said.
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Meanwhile, the news stunned many on social media, with 2GB’s Mark Levy writing on X: “Kevin Walters Sacked – WOW!!! Rugby League – who’d want to be a coach?”
Former radio and TV presenter Ian Maurice commented “Wow … didn’t expect this,” while The Broncos Rebuild posted: “I’m honestly shocked, no way I thought they’d pull the trigger on this.”
Despite the shock, Fox Sports’ Dane Lillingstone said that, ultimately, Walters didn’t have the results behind him to keep him safe.
“Absolutely ruthless and brutal decision by the Broncos on Kevin Walters but can’t argue with results,” he posted. “Premiership winning former club captain or not… 1 finals series in 4 years.”
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