NRL 2021: Kevin Walters is keen for 12-month upgrade to continue rebuild of Broncos in 2023

Kevin Walters is off-contract at the end of 2022, but the Broncos coach believes Brisbane is on the cusp of something special as he pushes his case for a contract extension.

Kevin Walters is eyeing a 12-month contract extension as the Broncos coach outlined his ‘Awesome Foursome’ strategic plan to deliver Brisbane’s next premiership.

News Corp can reveal Walters is ready to kick-off negotiations with Brisbane hierarchy in the first step towards an upgraded deal to keep the rookie NRL coach at Red Hill for the 2023 season.

At the conclusion of Brisbane’s season in a fortnight, Walters will sit down for preliminary discussions with chairman Karl Morris, CEO Dave Donaghy and head-of-football Ben Ikin to map out the Broncos’ future.

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I talk, you listen. Kevin Walters is making his mark at the Broncos.

Walters is focused on finishing the season with consecutive wins from Brisbane’s final two games, including this Saturday’s showdown with the Sharks at Suncorp Stadium.

But it is understood Walters has the high-level backing of Broncos heavy hitters to receive a one-year extension and ramp-up his Red Hill Revolution after inheriting a wooden-spoon team from Anthony Seibold.

Walters is off-contract at the end of 2022, but the Broncos coach believes Brisbane are on the cusp of hitting back to play finals football next season and he is keen for a second term at Red Hill.

There is a view in Brisbane’s corridors of power that Walters’ rebuilding phase is beginning to show signs of genuine promise, as evidenced by the Broncos’ improved form over the past six weeks.

Walters last week told News Corp he wants the Broncos to “cart me out of here”. Now he hopes to go into the 2022 pre-season armed with a contract upgrade to continue Brisbane’s quest for front-office stability.

The Broncos are mired in the longest premiership drought in their history, spanning 15 years, but Walters would relish an extension to forge a title-winning union with Morris, Donaghy and Ikin.

Kevvie looks set to be around for the 2023 season.

“Karl, Dave and Ben have been great for me personally,” Walters said.

“I do want to be here long-term. I didn’t accept this job to be here for just two years and get moved on.

“Dave Donaghy has provided great support for me as CEO and the presence of Ben has allowed me to do what I should be doing, which is working with the players out on the grass.

“I’d like to continue my partnership with those guys (Morris, Donaghy and Ikin) for many years and make the Broncos great again.”

Donaghy declined to comment on Walters’ contract situation, but the Broncos coach is adamant he has the skill-set to succeed in the NRL.

“My belief is always there,” Walters said.

Kevin Walters says CEO Dave Donaghy has played a key role in Brisbane’s revival.

“Whether I was a player or coach, I have always known my capabilities in football and I have never doubted myself.

“To be honest, I haven’t achieved anything yet from a coaching point of view in the NRL, but I believe I can succeed.

“Good things are happening at this club. I can sense us turning the corner.

“We’re assembling a roster that we believe can take the Broncos forward and the ultimate goal for me, and all of us here, is the premiership.”

Broncos bosses are mindful they cannot allow any contract speculation surrounding Walters to take the gloss off their planned fightback next season.

NRL clubs routinely plan their coaching appointments 12 months in advance. A one-year upgrade for Walters in the coming months would enable the Broncos to enter the 2022 premiership without destabilising contract talk.

Things are finally looking up at the Broncos.

Walters told Radio TAB on Thursday the Broncos are moving out of troubled waters after the first wooden spoon in their history last year.

“We are trying to stabilise the club,” he said.

“It has been through a lot the last few years, from Wayne Bennett moving on to Anthony Seibold coming in (and resigning).

“One of my first jobs was to move on a few players on so we could be salary-cap compliant. I had to make some tough decisions, but we are trying to make the Broncos a better place for everyone.”