Dark October : Broncos didn’t like they’re in for a world of pai……..
So another NRL coach has been made a scapegoat. This time it’s Kevin Walters, who has been sacked by the Brisbane Broncos although they would like you to believe that he resigned.Is it Walters’ fault that some of his star players were out injured for extended parts of the season, and that those who did play ‘didn’t turn up’ for a number of matches?
The other point that the Broncos’ management should have taken into account was the departure of four top players at the end of the 2023 season: Kurt Capewell, Herbie Farnworth, Thomas Flegler and Keenan Palasia.There have been suggestions that Walters lost the dressing room.
If that’s true, that was a cop-out by the players and only signals their refusal to take accountability for their repeated below-par performances throughout the season.So another NRL coach has been made a scapegoat. This time it’s Kevin Walters, who has been sacked by the Brisbane Broncos although they would like you to believe that he resigned.
Is it Walters’ fault that some of his star players were out injured for extended parts of the season, and that those who did play ‘didn’t turn up’ for a number of matches?
The other point that the Broncos’ management should have taken into account was the departure of four top players at the end of the 2023 season: Kurt Capewell, Herbie Farnworth, Thomas Flegler and Keenan Palasia.If that’s true, that was a cop-out by the players and only signals their refusal to take accountability for their repeated below-par performances throughout the season.
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Nobody can deny that Walters gave his heart and soul to the Broncos and wore his heart on his sleeve. The word entitlement has been linked to a number of the Broncos players this season and with good reason. You only need to look at the way that some of them behaved both on and off the field.
Yes, the NRL, like any professional sport, is results-driven – if the team doesn’t perform, the coach is usually used as a scapegoat. However, if certain players hadn’t missed tackles at crucial times in the grand final against Penrith last year, and Adam Reynolds hadn’t gone missing in action when the team needed his leadership the most to guide them to victory, the Broncos would have been premiers.Some of the players probably had their noses put out of joint throughout the season when Walters gave them a spray for underperforming; which he was totally justified in doing.
But because some of them are precious and can’t accept the truth, the Brisbane Broncos have decided that it’s easier to sack the coach than some of the players.There are reasons why the Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm have been the benchmark teams in the NRL for a long period of time. Chiefly, their culture, strong work ethic, ‘next man up’ mentality and the importance that the players place on discipline, defence and desire every match that they play in.
It appears as though the Broncos’ management had Michael Maguire earmarked as the coach of the Brisbane Broncos for a while, however it seems as though they used the anonymous end-of-season review – which reportedly contained some scathing criticism of Walters – as the reason to sack Kevvie.
It’ll be interesting to see how the players react to the straight-shooting Maguire’s coaching style as he doesn’t mince his words.Will the players play for Maguire, or will he lose the dressing room too by telling them what they need to hear?It’s clear that the Broncos’ issues run deeper than just the coaching staff. The combination of injuries to key players and the mass exodus of talent at the end of the season placed Walters in an almost impossible situation. His ability to motivate and rally the team was undermined by the actions of some players who seemed to prioritize their individual interests over team success. The notion of players losing faith in their coach is troubling, as it reflects a lack of accountability. If players are more concerned with their egos than their performances, it raises questions about the team’s culture and unity.
Maguire’s hiring may provide a stark shift in expectations. Known for his tough love approach, he will likely demand higher standards both on and off the field. His track record suggests he won’t shy away from confrontation, and this could be what the Broncos need. The real test will be whether the players can adapt to his direct style and respond positively, rather than retreating into defensiveness.
Moreover, the club’s management must also reflect on their role in this cycle. If they continue to make coaching changes without addressing the underlying cultural issues, they risk falling into the same pattern of disappointment. A long-term vision is essential, and that includes nurturing a resilient mindset within the squad. As Maguire steps into this challenging environment, the stakes are high—not just for him, but for the entire Broncos organization. The real challenge will be fostering a cohesive unit that prioritizes collective success over individual grievances.