In a post-match press conference following the Broncos’ 40-6 defeat to the Dolphins in Saturday night’s Battle of Brisbane, coach Kevin Walters expressed frustration and took a veiled swipe at a journalist. The loss, which came before a full house at Suncorp Stadium, has left the Broncos’ season in a precarious position. Despite the heavy defeat, Walters maintained that the team still has a chance to qualify for the finals.
For the Broncos to secure a finals spot, several conditions must be met: the Dolphins and Dragons need to lose their final matches against the Knights and Raiders respectively, and the Broncos must overcome the Storm in their last game. The Storm, anticipated to field a strong lineup after having rested key players in the previous week, presents a formidable challenge. This recent defeat could symbolize the end of a disappointing 2024 season for the Broncos, a year that began with high expectations following their near victory in last year’s grand final. The Penrith Panthers, led by Nathan Cleary, narrowly defeated Brisbane in a dramatic finish.
If the Broncos fail to make the top eight this season, it would be the third time in four years under Walters that the team has missed the finals. Walters commented on the loss, saying it was not reflective of the club’s identity or standard. He admitted he could not fully explain the team’s current struggles but vowed to address them. Walters emphasized that playing for the Broncos comes with inherent pressure and challenges, and stressed the need for players to understand this to improve their performance.
Against the Dolphins, the Broncos appeared disorganized and were overshadowed by a highly motivated opposition. The Dolphins, coached by Wayne Bennett, are on track to secure a top-eight finish for Round 26. When a journalist reminded Walters that this defeat was part of a series of poor performances, including a 41-16 loss to the Bulldogs in Round 21, Walters pushed back. He downplayed the severity of the recent defeats and suggested that the journalist might overstate their significance.
Walters was asked whether he would make changes before the crucial match against the Storm. He indicated that the issues at hand were more profound than just personnel adjustments. He mentioned that, like all clubs, the Broncos would review the season at its conclusion but he did not believe the problems were solely due to player changes. Walters asserted the need for the team to understand the significance of their club and come prepared each week. While acknowledging his disappointment, he remained focused on finishing the season and did not reveal his specific plans or thoughts for improvement, reserving these for internal discussions.
Despite the slim chance of making the finals, Walters emphasized the immediate need to address the team’s performance rather than focus on postseason possibilities. He maintained a resolute attitude, stating that while the challenge ahead is significant, the team still has one more game and thus still has a chance to qualify for the finals.
