Kevin Walters steps down as Brisbane Broncos assistant coach

WAYNE Bennett and Kevin Walters’ rocky relationship has fractured again after the Broncos legend sensationally split with the club for the third time on Wednesday.

Brisbane Broncos’ now former assistant coach Kevin Walters at training (AAP Image/Dan Peled)

WAYNE Bennett and Kevin Walters’ rocky relationship has fractured again after the Broncos legend sensationally split with the club for the third time on Wednesday.

Walters’ tenure as Bennett’s assistant coach came to an end just four rounds into the NRL season when he tendered his resignation, with the Broncos languishing 10th on the ladder.

Walters, 50, cited his commitments as Queensland Origin coach for his decision to leave his post at the Broncos.

However, sources told News Corp that Bennett’s reluctance to accept new methods frustrated Walters and was a factor in the six-time premiership winner’s decision to quit.

Kevin Walters has left the Broncos. (AAP Image/Dan Peled)

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Walters, in a statement, said he wanted to ensure his Origin selections weren’t scrutinised.

“I attended the launch of the State of Origin series in Melbourne and the level of interest at the media conference reinforced how privileged I am to be coach of a Maroons team which means so much to the people of Queensland,” he said.

“It also reinforced Origin’s immense standing in the game and the importance of having a clear-minded approach to all aspects of the Queensland team’s preparations.

“I felt that my direct link to the Broncos may influence the perception of my impartiality and as result of these factors I have made the decision to step away from the club to focus solely on the State of Origin campaign.”

Kevin Walters and Wayne Bennett at Brisbane Broncos training back in 2015. Picture: Darren England

Walters, sacked from his assistant coach post by Bennett in 2005, returned to the Broncos in 2015, helping Brisbane to its first grand final since 2006.

Bennett barred Walters from the Broncos role when he assumed the Maroons head coaching duties from Mal Meninga in 2016, eventually softening his stance this season.

Walters was absent from training on Wednesday, leaving Bennett’s other assistant Jason Demetriou to run drills.

Bennett, a former Queensland coach, said he understood Walters’ decision.

“It takes a huge commitment to coach Queensland and while we have really valued Kevin’s input this year as an assistant coach, we wish him all the best,” he said.

It is unlikely Bennett will appoint a replacement this season.

The Broncos have had a turbulent start to the 2018 season, sitting 10th on the ladder with a 2-2 records.