League icon Andrew Johns has expressed concern over Kevin Walters’ future as the Brisbane Broncos’ head coach, suggesting that Walters could be at risk of losing his job if significant improvements aren’t seen within the first few weeks of the upcoming season.
Walters is under contract with the Broncos until the end of 2026, following an extension granted in March of this year. However, despite this commitment, the team has now failed to make the NRL finals for the third time in Walters’ four-year tenure. Last season, the Broncos came close to winning the premiership but have otherwise struggled under Walters’ leadership.
In 2020, the Broncos had a dismal season, winning only three out of 14 games, which led to the dismissal of their previous coach, Anthony Seibold. Johns believes that Walters could face a similar outcome if he cannot reverse the team’s disappointing performance next year.
Johns voiced his concerns on Wide World of Sports’ Freddy and the Eighth, stating that Walters is indeed under pressure. While Johns acknowledged that Walters is likely to receive a short grace period, he emphasized that the coach’s future will depend on how the team performs in the early part of the season. “They will probably give him a couple of months, six to eight weeks,” Johns said. “Then if they’re not firing you know what’s going to happen.”
The Broncos’ board, with board member and club legend Darren Lockyer at the forefront, has announced that a comprehensive and candid review of all aspects of the club will be conducted at the end of the season. This review is expected to be thorough and critical, but it may not lead to Walters’ immediate dismissal, especially considering his near success in ending the club’s 18-year premiership drought just over a year ago.
In defense of Walters, former teammates, including Gorden Tallis, have spoken out. Tallis has criticized the performance of the team’s captain and halfback, Adam Reynolds, rather than placing blame on Walters. Despite Reynolds’ struggles, he has been extended by the Broncos and is set to play again next year, although his performance has been affected by injuries.
Johns, known for his exceptional career as a playmaker, has expressed skepticism about Reynolds’ ability to return to top form. “How’s he going to stay on the park next year? He’s another year older,” Johns commented. He highlighted the physical toll of a long career on Reynolds’ body, noting the strain from years of kicking and the cumulative effects it can have.
Brad Fittler has also voiced concerns about the Broncos’ future planning. He criticized the club’s lack of clear succession planning and the development of younger talent, questioning where the future leadership and playmaking talent will come from once Reynolds is no longer able to play. Fittler remarked on the missed opportunity for progression this season and expressed doubt about the readiness of players like Ezra Mam, who has expressed a desire to play as a halfback but has yet to show significant development in that role.
As the Broncos prepare to wrap up their 2024 season with a match against Melbourne on Thursday night, the focus remains on evaluating the team’s performance and the future direction of the club.
