‘Not pleasant when you have to move on a legend’: Lockyer explains brutal Walters axing

Broncos legend and club board member Darren Lockyer has shed light on the reasons for Brisbane’s brutal sacking of Kevin Walters.

Despite being contracted until the end of 2026, Walters was axed last month following a disappointing season that saw the Broncos finish 12th on the ladder and miss finals.

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It came after a club review that was scathing of the Broncos’ standards and coaching processes. Part of the review was reportedly conducted via players filling out an anonymous online survey.

The Broncos have since appointed Michael Maguire as coach on a three-year deal with high hopes he can steer Brisbane’s talented roster to a first premiership since 2006.

Lockyer told the Courier Mail the board made the decision to sack Walters after the team’s form dipped significantly in the second half of the season to finish with 10 wins and 14 losses.

“Kevvie is a great bloke and that’s what makes it so difficult,” said Lockyer, who won three premierships as a player with Walters.

“… It’s not pleasant at all when you have to move on a legend of the game. He was also five minutes away from winning the grand final last year if it wasn’t for Nathan Cleary.

“This year at the back end of the year the team fell away significantly.

“The call was made based on the playing talent that is there at the Broncos, which there is plenty of.

“We feel that Michael Maguire has some traits that will complement what the Broncos need.”

Maguire coached the South Sydney Rabbitohs to the 2014 premiership. In the past year has helped New Zealand thrash Australia 30-0 in the Pacific Championship final and mastermind NSW’s third State of Origin series decider win in Queensland.

Walters, 56, was left devastated by his sudden sacking after leading the Broncos to the grand final in 2023.

“Aside from playing here, it’s been the greatest thrill and honour of my life to have coached the Broncos,” Walters 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. 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.”

Meanwhile, Broncos icon and longtime trainer Allan Langer is believed to be considering his future at the club.

Maguire sounded hungry for immediate success when he was unveiled as Broncos coach last week.

“I’m extremely hungry to win another competition,” Maguire said.

“I’m not going to put a timeline on it but I’m in a rush like all of us. We all want to have success.

“I am a career coach. I love the daily stuff,” the 50-year-old said as he was unveiled as Brisbane’s new coach at a press conference on Tuesday.

“My last campaign in Origin. It was an incredible, amazing experience. But I am a person that loves the day to day.

“I’ve missed having a staff. I’ve missed having players around me daily. That’s what I got a lot out of as a head coach.”

Meanwhile, veteran Broncos winger Corey Oates has announced his retirement at age 29.

The former Queensland State of Origin winger says he’s put his family first after opting for retirement instead of seeking an overseas deal after not being offered another contract by the Broncos.

Oates scored 121 tries in 216 games for the Broncos since debuting for the club in 2013 but won’t be a part of Maguire’s playing squad.

Third on the Broncos’ all-time NRL try scorers list, Oates, who also featured for Queensland in nine State of Origin games, has battled injuries in recent seasons and opted to stay in Brisbane rather than look to extend his career in the UK Super League. He played 15 games in 2024 after just nine in 2023.