NRL 2024: Brisbane Broncos deny working behind Kevin Walters’ back to secure new coach Michael Maguire

Brisbane chair Karl Morris has denied claims the club was working behind the back of Kevin Walters to secure Michael Maguire, stressing he was comfortable with how they handled the departure of the axed coach.

Kevin Walters and Michael Maguire

Brisbane chair Karl Morris has refuted claims that the club was working behind Kevin Walters’ back to secure Michael Maguire and urged supporters and Old boys to back the new coach in his quest to end the Broncos’ 18-year premiership drought.

Morris also stressed he was comfortable with how the club handled the sensitive departure of Walters and endorsed Maguire’s reputation as a hard taskmaster to bring out the best in the Broncos’ crop of young stars.

“These things are always difficult,” Morris said.

“They are always terribly uncomfortable and they are never easy. Kevvy still has a role at the club moving forward and he is obviously extremely passionate about its ongoing success, and what we have done in a short period of time is get the coach who was our No.1 pick.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt that Maguire is seen as a bit of a hard taskmaster. In speaking to him he doesn’t shy away from that.

“He treats them like men, expects them to play to their potential. I think that he will provide a harder edge to some of the younger players that we have.”

The Broncos have denied working behind Kevin Walters’ back to secure Michael Maguire. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

The Broncos were expected to give Walters the start of next season to keep his job but they shocked the rugby league world last week when they made the decision to move in another direction, having completed a review that suggested change needed to be made.

The club moved quickly to secure Maguire, who had rebuilt his reputation after a failed stint at the Wests Tigers by leading New Zealand and then NSW to wins over the Kangaroos and Queensland respectively.

The speed at which the Broncos moved prompted suggestions that the club had been plotting behind Walters’ back, a claim that was refuted by both Morris and chief executive Dave Donaghy.

“Dave Donaghy, when it became clear from the review that the change was going to be made, presented to the board who was available and what his recommendations were,” Morris said.

New Brisbane Broncos coach Michael Maguire alongside Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy. Picture: Steve Pohlner

“They started negotiations on Thursday night and Friday. It’s very rare that you get a position where someone is actually available immediately.

“So they were able to come to terms relatively quickly. It’s very unusual to have an NRL coach available immediately. Normally these things take a long period of time.”

Donaghy added: “It was very quick. I think once you’re in a position last week where an outcome was reached, you know, the first person I called after connecting with our group here was Michael.

“And I was pleased that he had a level of interest to want to get back in the arena. He’s a career professional coach whose experience has spanned over a couple of decades now.

“One thing I know about Michael is he’s a terrific guy, he works incredibly hard and he’s a real family man. I think that really aligns with our organisation and as I said, the conversations happened really quickly to the point where we’re in a position this morning to be able to announce Michael as a head coach, which we’re delighted about.”

Sacked coach Kevin Walters had strong support from the Broncos’ Old Boys. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Not everyone has been as happy as Donaghy and Morris with the decision. Walters is a club legend who had strong support among some of the Broncos’ Old Boys, a small group of former players who are never afraid to voice their opinion.

Some have aired their concerns in recent days.

“Look, the Old Boys … there’s 300 of them,” Morris said.

“I can honestly say not one of them has contacted me. I know there’s been a fair bit of noise, but it’s primarily from media commentators, which is what their job is and I think they’ve even acknowledged that’s their job. But we have a job to do, and it is one based on all the facts and all the information, and that’s just not just from an end of season review.’

“I do know what the No.1 thing the Old Boys want is they want them to win. So I would hope for the dyed-in-the-wool Old Boys, they think this decision is in the best interests of the club and they support Maguire like they have supported previous coaches.

“It’s never easy parting ways, especially with someone that we all know is as passionate about the Broncos as you know Kevin is.

“This is a very talented group of men that have every potential to win a grand. Michael will give him the best opportunity to achieve that.”