Coach Kevin Walters has affirmed his contract renewal with Brisbane and expresses optimism that fullback Reece Walsh will also agree to an extension.
While Walters was initially contracted until the conclusion of 2025, reports suggest that his new agreement entails both an enhancement and an extension until the subsequent year.
“I am appreciative of the chance to continue coaching here and thankful for the Broncos’ decision to extend our contract,” Walters remarked.
“With stability in our coaching staff and playing squad, our focus now shifts to pursuing trophies. That’s our primary objective moving forward.”
“We still have a lot of hard work ahead of us, and I am committed to being part of that effort. As a coach, I believe there is always room for improvement.
“This club is like a second family to me, and I am deeply passionate about elevating it to greatness, creating a sense of pride among our supporters.”
Walters, a five-time premiership winner with the Broncos, inherited a team in turmoil in 2021 following their first wooden spoon under Anthony Seibold’s leadership. Within three seasons, Walters guided the Broncos to the grand final.
While Wayne Bennett coached the club for two decades and secured six titles, Walters aims to surpass his tenure at Brisbane.
“I aspire to surpass Wayne’s legacy. By then, I’ll probably be 105 years old. I envision a long-term commitment to this club,” he stated.
“My dream, since walking off the Sydney Olympic Stadium in 2000 after captaining Brisbane’s grand final win, has been to return as the head coach of the Broncos and win premierships. The dream is still alive and ongoing.”
Reece Walsh, signed until 2025, serves as an on-field leader for the Broncos and a creative spark with the ball. Last season, he contributed significantly with 26 try assists, 21 line breaks, and 11 tries, propelling the team to the grand final.
The Broncos are determined to retain Walsh, with Walters expressing confidence in securing his continued presence.
“I believe the environment we provide for Reece is the best for his development,” Walters stated. “While I prefer not to comment extensively on contracts, I would be surprised if Reece were to play elsewhere.”
Walsh last discussed a Broncos extension in March in Los Angeles before the round-one clash with Sydney Roosters.
“I am confident it will all be sorted out,” he mentioned at the time. “While I am eager to secure a long-term deal, I understand the importance of letting my performance on the field speak for itself.
“The Broncos team has become like family to me. I cherish the club, the staff, and the fans. We are building something truly special here.”
OTHERS NEWS…
Kevin Walters has made a decision regarding his coaching future.
Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters has committed to a two-year contract extension, securing his tenure at Red Hill until the conclusion of the 2026 season.
Taking over from Anthony Seibold three seasons ago, the 56-year-old has steered the Broncos towards contention for NRL titles, coming close to clinching their first Premiership since 2006 last year.
𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗟 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲.
Kevvie's locked in for one more year.🔒
Details 📲 https://t.co/5pCbqVEpw8 pic.twitter.com/Y5th195BLU
— Brisbane Broncos (@brisbanebroncos) March 28, 2024
According to 9News reporter Ben Dobbin, Walters has received a salary upgrade as part of the extension.
Prior to his role with the Broncos, Walters served as head coach for the Queensland Maroons during the 2016 and 2017 State of Origin series following his retirement from playing.
Hailing from Rockhampton, Walters is a revered figure in Brisbane, having played 242 first-grade games and secured four premierships during his illustrious playing career.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Walters stated, “It’s no secret how much I love the Broncos, and being able to coach this group for even one game rates as an absolute honour for me.
To extend my time as coach for a third time is testament to the hard work of all the players, coaches, and staff who work as part of our football department. We have had some success but we are hungry for much more, and I believe that we have all bought into building something special here together at the Broncos.”
