The sold-out ‘Battle of Brisbane’ on Saturday promises to be a high-stakes clash, with a coveted finals spot hanging in the balance as two of the NRL’s biggest rivals face off.
The matchup is particularly intriguing as it pits a seasoned coaching veteran against his former protégé. The outcome will not only determine which team secures a place in the finals but will also settle a long-standing debate over which coach has the rightful claim to the home turf of Suncorp Stadium.
For Kevin Walters, this game is more than just a chance to advance in the finals; it’s an opportunity to demonstrate to Wayne Bennett, who controversially dismissed him as an assistant coach nearly two decades ago, that he is more than capable of leading the Broncos as head coach. Conversely, Bennett has the chance to get a measure of revenge against the Broncos, who had let him go in an unceremonious manner through a voicemail, leaving him with lingering resentment.
Walters enjoyed a successful playing career under Bennett, winning five premierships during the Broncos’ golden years. After retiring in 2001, Walters joined Bennett’s coaching staff. However, Bennett executed a significant coaching overhaul at the end of 2005, which saw Walters, a cherished figure at the Broncos, being dismissed.
Though time has eased the rift somewhat, Walters’ return to the Broncos in 2015 led the team to their first grand final appearance since 2006. Yet, when the Broncos sought a new head coach in 2017 to replace Bennett, Walters didn’t receive the endorsement he hoped for from his former mentor. Bennett was blunt in his assessment, telling The Sydney Morning Herald, “I didn’t want Kevin… I didn’t think he was up for the job.”
Despite the focus on the rivalry between Bennett and the Broncos, the pressure on both coaches remains intense. Paul Crawley highlighted on NRL360 that both Walters and Bennett are under significant stress heading into the match. Crawley noted that while Walters has faced ongoing pressure throughout the season, Bennett is also dealing with considerable personal pressure as he approaches this game.
In summary, the ‘Battle of Brisbane’ is not only about securing a finals berth but also about settling personal scores and proving one’s worth in a highly charged atmosphere.
