Wally Lewis, the legendary Brisbane Broncos player, expressed his astonishment at the recent decision to remove Allan Langer from the club’s football department, likening it to “sacking Santa Claus.” This significant change is part of new head coach Michael Maguire’s efforts to reshape the team.
Langer has been a familiar face at the Broncos, known for his role as a blue shirt trainer, and his departure marks the end of an era. The decision reportedly hit Langer hard, leaving him “shattered” as he had been deeply connected to the club, especially following the ousting of former coach Kevin Walters.
Lewis shared his bewilderment during a conversation with Wide World of Sports, stating that no one in Brisbane or Queensland anticipated such a move. He noted that while coaches have the right to make changes, this particular decision was shocking. “Sacking Alf is like sacking Santa Claus,” he remarked, emphasizing the emotional weight of Langer’s departure.
NRL great Paul Gallen echoed Lewis’s sentiments, asserting that Langer’s unique ability to unify a team made his exit difficult to comprehend. Gallen reflected on their time together with the Kangaroos, praising Langer’s knack for maintaining team morale and cohesion. He expressed disbelief at the idea of losing someone of Langer’s character and contribution to the club.
Langer, who has been celebrated as one of the greatest Broncos players and overlooked for the Immortal status, has been a vital part of the club for over two decades since retiring. Despite the change in his official capacity, the Broncos are hopeful he will stay on, with plans to transition him into a corporate ambassador role focusing on sponsorship.
Maguire, who is new to the role, has indicated his desire for Langer to remain involved with the team. He has plans to meet with Langer to discuss how they can integrate his talents into the club moving forward. Maguire acknowledged Langer’s immense popularity and contributions to the Broncos, affirming that he still has a role to play within the organization.
Current Broncos captain Adam Reynolds also underscored Langer’s importance, stating that he was a key factor in his decision to join the club, seeking guidance from the legendary player. Reynolds highlighted Langer’s credentials, including his 258 games with the Broncos, four premierships, and accolades in State of Origin and international play, emphasizing that Langer’s experience is invaluable.
Maguire noted that Langer could contribute in various capacities, and he looks forward to discussing the future with him in detail. The Broncos face a significant challenge in changing the team’s culture, especially after a disappointing track record, including missing the finals in four of the last five seasons and even securing the wooden spoon in 2020.
In light of the coaching changes, star player Kotoni Staggs revealed he learned about Walters’ dismissal through the news, which he found disheartening. Staggs expressed gratitude for Walters’ guidance during his tenure, highlighting the emotional toll of such public announcements on players.
Overall, the reshaping of the Broncos under Maguire signals a new direction, yet the club hopes to retain the essence of its legacy through figures like Langer, who have defined its spirit for years. The transition period will be crucial as Maguire seeks to instill a new culture and approach while honoring the contributions of past legends.
