The Broncos are facing mounting pressure to make a decision about Kevin Walters’ future following their recent elimination from the finals race and ongoing internal discontent. After being last year’s grand finalists, the team approached their Round 26 match against Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins knowing a loss would end their season. They suffered a severe 40-4 defeat, exacerbating the scrutiny on Walters, with the Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield asserting that Walters has 12 games to secure his position for 2025.
David Riccio, a colleague of Rothfield, emphasized the need for the Broncos’ management to resolve Walters’ future before the new season starts if there are any uncertainties. On NRL360, Riccio expressed his concerns about the indecision surrounding Walters’ position, referencing past instances where clubs failed to act decisively on a coach, resulting in wasted seasons. He cited the example of Anthony Griffin and St George Illawarra, where the board’s delay in making a decision led to a fruitless year before Griffin’s eventual dismissal. Similarly, Riccio pointed to Parramatta’s situation, where uncertainty around Brad Arthur’s future has left the team languishing in the bottom of the standings.
Riccio argued that if the Broncos are unsure about Walters’ long-term viability, it would be futile to proceed with him into the next season without a clear plan. He also criticized the Broncos’ board for not publicly addressing the speculation about Walters’ future. Riccio noted the lack of a definitive statement from the CEO or chairman confirming Walters’ position, which has only fueled ongoing speculation.
The debate over Walters’ future is compounded by concerns about a potential rift within the Broncos’ playing group. Skipper Adam Reynolds has faced criticism for not vocally supporting Walters and for his decision to fill a radio spot left vacant by Billy Walters, who resigned amid ongoing criticism of his father. Despite the Broncos’ upcoming match against the Storm in Round 27, where the result won’t affect their standing as they are already out of the top eight, the game may still serve as an indicator of the team’s sentiment towards Walters.
NRL360 host Braith Anasta suggested that the performance in the upcoming match could reveal the level of support Walters has from his players, highlighting the significance of the game beyond its immediate impact on the standings.
