Billy Walters opens up on dad Kevin’s axing as Broncos coach and those ‘nepo baby’ sledges

Broncos star Billy Walters has revealed how he learned his dad was sacked as Brisbane coach, addressed his future at the club and lashed out at those who say he only in the team due to nepotism.

Billy Walters was left heartbroken by Brisbane’s decision to axe his dad Kevin as coach, but the Broncos hooker has vowed to do all he can to win a premiership with his beloved club.

Walters has opened up for the first time since Kevvie’s shock sacking just last month.

And while admitting he was shattered and angry at the club’s call and pondered where his future may be, Walters has tried to put that behind him after reaching out to new coach Michael Maguire just days after his appointment.

He also wants to prove the doubters wrong, declaring: “I wasn’t the No.9 because my dad was coach, but because I am the best No.9 at the club”.

Broncos star Billy Walters (left) admits he was heartbroken after his dad and coach Kevin Walters (right) was axed. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

FATEFUL DAY

Walters was caught off guard when news started to filter through that his dad’s position as coach may be under fire.

“I was at home cooking dinner when my younger brother who lives with dad messaged me and said that Kev had gone in for a meeting and he might be gone,” Billy said.

“I didn’t believe it at first. I didn’t think there was any way it would go down like that.

“I thought my brother was overreacting and maybe dad wouldn’t get sacked but would get a stern warning. When I did get word, there were so many thoughts going through my mind.

“‘What was he doing to do? What was I going to do?’

“You’re obviously emotional.

“I tried to call him and see if he was all right but he didn’t answer. I didn’t get to speak to him until the next day.”

Billy was immediately in contact with his three brothers and sister, processing the news.

“It was emotional when I spoke to him,” he said.

“I know how much he loved the Broncos. It was his dream job and he doesn’t like living things unfinished. He probably feels like he has unfinished business here.”

Billy admits he was caught off guard when he heard Kevin’s position was under threat. Picture: Getty Images

UNRAVELLING

This time last year the Broncos were trying to unpack how they lost the grand final to Penrith when they looked destined to end the club’s premiership drought.

Now they are dealing with a new coach.

It has quickly unravelled for the Broncos who won just 10 games to finish 12th. The Broncos have made the finals just once in the past five years.

“We weren’t good enough this year, there is no denying that,” Walters said.

“It will always sound biased because I am his son but I don’t think Kevvie was the reason for that. The year we made the grand final we had 95 per cent of our squad have their best year and we had a great run with injuries. Even little things like 50/50 calls went our way.

“This year we lose a lot of experienced players.

“It’s sad to think how far we fell considering we were three or four minutes away from beating the best team in the NRL era in a grand final.”

Walters admits the Broncos weren’t good enough in 2024, but doesn’t think Kevvie was to blame. Picture: NRL Imagery

FUTURE

Walters admitted there was a short moment where he questioned his own future at the club. Despite being signed until the end of 2026, he wasn’t sure what his path ahead would look like following his dad’s sacking.

“I’m not going to lie there was probably about a half an hour there after getting the news where I thought, ‘I don’t want to be at the club’,” Walters said.

“But you have to look at the bigger picture. I don’t make the decision on who the coach of the Broncos is. It sucks for me because he is my dad but I’m not there to decide that.

“I love the club, the players and staff and I want to be a Bronco.

“It’s been my favourite three years playing for the Broncos.”

Then came the trolling on and off social media.

“I’ve received a lot of messages and comments through social media about people telling me to enjoy Super League or Queensland Cup,” he said.

“I’m keen to get there and prove the haters wrong that I wasn’t wearing the No.9 because my dad was the coach. I was wearing it because I’m the best No.9 at the club.”

Walters admits there was a moment he questioned his own future at the Broncos. Picture: Getty Images

MADGE CHAT

Walters shares no ill feelings towards Maguire. He has the advantage of knowing Maguire having spent two seasons under him at the Tigers.

“I called him not long after he got the job and told him I love the Broncos and wanted to be here,” Walters said.

“I have no hard feelings towards him. He didn’t kick Kevvie out. I enjoyed my time with him at the Tigers. I just wanted to tell him I wasn’t going to come in with a bad attitude.

“I want to win a competition.

“I just wanted to be clear with them that I want to be here and they don’t have to worry about moving me on.”

Walters knows the Broncos are in for a tough pre-season, after spending two years under Michael Maguire at the Wests Tigers. Picture: Supplied

Broncos chief executive Dave Donaghy was quick to reach out to Billy for a coffee.

“In the first week or two I wasn’t keen on catching up because I was filthy. But I’ve sat back and looked at the situation. Dave has done his job and I’ve got to do my job,” he said.

“There is no bad blood there.”

Walters knows what a pre-season under Maguire will be like.

“It’ll be tough,” Walters said. “The wrestle sessions will go up a notch. A few of the boys will love it given they train how they play and will go hard.”

Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy reached out to Billy after his dad’s departure, but Walters needed some time. Picture: Steve Pohlner

KEVVIE’S FUTURE

Kevvie is slowly coming to terms with his departure after four seasons in charge of Brisbane. But Billy said his dad was “a bit better now”.

“He was going through the motions when it all happened,” Billy said.

“There were periods where he was feeling down because he loved being the Broncos coach but there are times where he is glad it’s all over.

“He was sick of the attention and pressure of being a head coach.

“He isn’t keen on coaching again but give him a couple of months and he will get back into it. He is such a positive guy.”

Originally published as Billy Walters opens up on dad Kevin’s axing as Broncos coach and those ‘nepo baby’ sledges