Broncos double down on ‘Kev-olution’ as Walters resigns on monster deal

The Broncos have rewarded its coach a perfect start to the 2023 season, dropping a monster contract extension on head coach Kevin Walters.

Kevin Walters, the coach, after Broncos Training at Red Hill, on Friday 7th April 2023 – Photo Steve Pohlner

The Broncos have doubled down on their “Kev-olution”, re-signing club coach Kevin Walters on a monster $1.7 million contract extension.

News Corp’s Peter Badel reports that the 55-year-old has formally agreed terms on a two-year extension in a major coup for the Broncos ahead of their round six clash against Canberra.

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It comes as Brisbane sit at the top of the league after their best start in 25 years.

It is understood that Walters will see an immediate salary boost to around $550,000, with the extension worth $600,000 annually.

A premiership could see Walters crack seven figures, with a bevy of performance bonuses included in the deal.

Club captain Adam Reynolds said Walters was the key to bringing Brisbane back to the top of the competition.

“I’m pleased for Kevvie,” Reynolds said.

“He is a good coach and a great mentor and he bleeds what the Broncos are about.

“There is no better man to take this club forward.

“He is a very passionate person and he wants to get the club to the top again.”

Kevin Walters wants to bring the Broncos premiership DNA of his heyday back to the club. Photo Steve Pohlner

Walters himself said he wouldn’t be content until a premiership was brought back to Red Hill.

“We’re not there yet, but I love my job and the march from that moment when I came here in 2021 has always been forward,” he said.

“We’re not finished yet.

“We have more to achieve, it’s only early days really, but the Broncos have a history of winning premierships and I have great faith in this team to build their own era.”

Darren Lockyer, Broncos board member, said the club had no concerns about an extension collapsing, similarly to the botched Herbie Farnworth deal that saw the young gun move to the Dolphins on a lucrative three-year deal.

“Kevvie has done a wonderful job,” Lockyer said.

“He has done a really good job to create that enjoyment factor for the players.

“Winning helps but they want to play with each other as you see after the game in the dressing rooms.”

Herbie Farnworth is off to the Dolphins on a three year deal. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Lockyer was nonplussed about the protracted length of contract negotiations, saying it was simply a busy time.

“I just think it is because everyone is busy. But we don’t feel like (the new deal) is going to blow up and it won’t happen.

“It is just a formality really.

“Dave (Donaghy, Broncos CEO) has done a great job as well.

“The mandate (is) stability.

“We just had too much churn with players and staff and we had to stabilise the club.”

Originally published as Broncos double down on ‘Kev-olution’ as Walters resigns on monster deal