Broncos forward Billy Walters has criticized “fake fans” who have questioned whether his father, Kevin Walters, should continue as head coach of the Brisbane Broncos beyond this season.
The Broncos, who were runners-up last year, have struggled with injuries and inconsistent performances this season, leaving their playoff hopes precariously balanced. With the team currently positioned tenth on the NRL ladder with 24 points, they must win their remaining three matches and rely on losses by the Dragons and Dolphins to secure a finals spot. If the Broncos miss the top eight, it would be the third time since Kevin Walters took over as head coach in 2021.
In a recent press conference, Billy Walters dismissed concerns about his father’s coaching ability. He highlighted that Kevin Walters guided the team from a wooden spoon finish in 2020 to being on the brink of a grand final. According to Billy, it’s unjust to criticize his father after just one difficult season, especially given the injury issues the team has faced. He emphasized that the coach’s passion for the Broncos and his track record suggest he is well-suited for the role.
Billy acknowledged the frustration of possibly missing the finals even if the team wins their remaining games, but he attributed this to the team’s performance, not Kevin Walters’ coaching. He stressed that the Broncos’ struggles during the Origin period and a lack of wins during that time are factors beyond the coach’s control.
Looking ahead, the Broncos are set to face the Parramatta Eels, though they will be missing key players such as Payne Haas and Reece Walsh due to injuries. Despite this, Billy Walters remains hopeful. He believes that although injuries have been a challenge, they are not unique to his team, and many others have managed to succeed despite similar setbacks.
Billy Walters remains optimistic about the Broncos’ chances, suggesting that if they manage to qualify for the finals, they could be a formidable opponent. He is focused on the upcoming match against the Eels, believing that securing a win could boost the team’s confidence and potentially lead to a successful finals campaign.
