NRL 2023: QRL chairman Bruce Hatcher plays down Ben Ikin-Broncos feud

Queensland Rugby League chairman Bruce Hatcher has spoken out on reports of a Ben Ikin-Broncos rift, as the former Brisbane football boss prepares for his new role as QRL chief executive.

QRL boss Bruce Hatcher insists Ben Ikin is not at war with the Broncos, after walking out on his role as Brisbane’s head of football. Picture: Getty Images.

Queensland Rugby League chairman Bruce Hatcher insists Ben Ikin is not at war with the Broncos as the former Brisbane football boss prepares for his new role as QRL chief executive.

Ikin will be formally unveiled as the boss of the Queensland Rugby League on Friday, a fortnight after dropping a bombshell on the Broncos by resigning as Brisbane’s head of football.

When he was appointed Brisbane’s football chief in June 2021, Ikin had big plans for a Red Hill resurgence and was touted as a pivotal figure in the club’s quest to break a 17-year premiership drought under Kevin Walters.

But Ikin lasted just 23 months at the Broncos amid reports of tensions with Walters, prompting Brisbane bosses to improve lines of communication between the high-powered pair.

Walters insists he has no issue with Ikin and the Broncos legend has presided over an emphatic revival of the club, coaching Brisbane from the wooden-spoon under Anthony Seibold in 2020 to an equal share of the lead after 11 rounds this season.

QRL boss Bruce Hatcher insists Ben Ikin is not at war with the Broncos, after walking out on his role as Brisbane’s head of football. Picture: Getty Images.

As one of Australian sport’s glamour clubs, the Broncos can ill-afford to have a fractured relationship with the QRL and Hatcher is adamant Ikin will work harmoniously with Brisbane hierarchy.

“Ben is a passionate Broncos man and he is an outstanding appointment for the Queensland Rugby League,” Hatcher said.

“In management, your role is to challenge the paradigm and explore ways to make sure there can be a better way of doing things and I’m sure Ben did that at the Broncos.

“I don’t know how Ben’s approach affected the coaching situation at the Broncos.

“I always say you don’t have to be liked, it’s not a popularity contest, you do your job without fear or favour and be prepared to have some robust discussions one-on-one.

“I couldn’t imagine Ben and Kevin not being able to sort out any differences.

“They are both good men and I know enough about their characters to know there will be no issue between us and the Broncos.

“Ben and Kevin are guys with strong views, but it doesn’t mean we can’t get on and I’m very confident we’ll have a strong working relationship with the Broncos, as we do with all our Queensland clubs.”

Hatcher will unveil Ikin as the new chief executive of the QRL on Friday. Picture: QRL/Jorja Brinums.

Ikin will succeed Rohan Sawyer and the 46-year-old takes charge at a time when the Queensland Rugby League is experiencing a surge in playing numbers in the Sunshine State.

A former QRL board member, Ikin has an intimate understanding of the code’s challenges and Hatcher believes the former Queensland Origin utility will prove a fine administrator.

“We’re in the business of rugby league and it’s been a while since we had a real league CEO and Ben ticks that box,” he said.

“Ben did a wonderful job at the Broncos.

“When he arrived there they were running last and when he left, they were on top of the league, so he must have provided great support to Kevin Walters and to change culture and attitude at the club.

“At the end of the day there is enough to indicate Ben has made a significant difference to the Broncos.

“I have been interested in Ben for a long time. He did a great job for us as a QRL board member and I believe he has a great understanding of rugby league, particularly when you are looking at the grassroots and pathways of the game.

“Ben always does his homework. He never came to a meeting unprepared. He will be incredibly valuable for us.”