NRL 2023: Kevin Walters hits back at Phil Gould’s claim that the Broncos can’t win premiership

Bulldogs football boss Gus Gould claimed on television that the Broncos couldn’t win this year’s premiership but Kevvie Walters wasn’t going to let that shot go unchallenged.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JULY 12: General Manager of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and commentator Phil Gould is seen before game three of the State of Origin series between New South Wales Blues and Queensland Maroons at Accor Stadium on July 12, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Brisbane coach Kevin Walters has hit back at Phil Gould after the Bulldogs football boss’ controversial claim that the Broncos can’t win this year’s premiership.

The Broncos can take a step closer to winning their first minor premiership in 23 years by disposing of a Roosters side fighting to save their season in Thursday night’s clash at the Gabba.

Brisbane (14-5) are second on the ladder and equal on points with competition leaders and defending premiers Penrith after 21 rounds and several leading pundits, including Queensland legends Cooper Cronk and Gorden Tallis, believe the Broncos can win their first title since 2006.

But Gould has delivered a brutal assessment of the Broncos, insisting Brisbane will fall short this year, claiming Walters’ troops lack the defensive steel to beat the Panthers in the sudden-death pressure of finals football.

“I don’t think the Broncos can win the comp this year,” said Canterbury football chief Gould, also an expert analyst for Channel 9.

“I just don’t see enough in their defence to win it.

“I think the Panthers have got a far better defence than they have, but they (the Broncos) have certainly got the athleticism and the strike power.

“They’re a good side, their performances show that, but they’re not going to beat Penrith at finals time.”

Phil Gould has questioned the Broncos’ premiership credentials. Picture: Julian Andrews

Gould’s critique triggered a riposte from Walters, who backed the defensive hunger of a Broncos side that has the second best defence in the league this season, conceding 341 points, and beat Penrith away 13-12 in round one.

Walters suggested the Canterbury supremo focus on the shambolic Bulldogs, who are second last and fighting to avoid the wooden spoon.

“We are worried about ourselves and Phil should be doing the same (with the Bulldogs),” Walters said.

“We know we have some work to do defensively, we are aware of that, we are working hard on that.

“But we have come a long way with our defence compared to last year. Still there is a bit to go and that will be showcased against the Roosters.”

Asked if he believes the Broncos are the real deal this season, Walters is adamant Brisbane can break their 17-year title drought.

“There’s a lot of belief within our group both the players and coaching staff and everyone involved in the club,” he said.

“We haven’t played our best football yet, that’s in front of us.

“I am really enjoying my job, it’s part of my role here and all the coaches to get the place better.

“We are better, but we’re not the complete package, so we’re working really hard to get that complete package.

“When we do that, and it’s not far away I can assure you, we might change a few people’s minds.”

Kevin Walters says Gould should worry about Canterbury and not the Broncos.

Gould, a two-time premiership-winning coach, believes Broncos halfback Adam Reynolds holds the key to Brisbane’s title hopes.

“Over the next couple of years, they are one of the clubs that can rise to the occasion, depending on how long Adam Reynolds can keep going,” Gould said on Channel 9.

“And if he can’t keep going until they win a premiership, who are they going to put in that number seven jersey?

“Over time, will it be Ezra Mam? Are they thinking about Reece Walsh coming up from No. 1 and (Selwyn) Cobbo to fullback?

“They’ve always got young kids coming through the system.”

In a late change for the Broncos, boom back-rower Brendan Piakura has been ruled out for the second consecutive week due to a virus.

Rookie prop Xavier Willison will come onto the bench, with Queensland Origin lock Pat Carrigan to replace Piakura on the right edge.

“Patty feels he has brought a lot of hardness to the right edge so we will go with him again,” Walters said.

“We have great respect for the Roosters, but we have been in good touch as well the last month.

“It will be a great contest at the Gabba.”