Wayne Bennett scoffs Kevin Walters reveals the Broncos’ ‘secret weapon’
Wayne Bennett has cryptically confirmed he made furtive inquiries to sign Allan Langer, and how it worked out in the Broncos legend’s favour.
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Kevin Walters has hailed Allan Langer as the secret weapon in Brisbane’s premiership charge as Wayne Bennett revealed he tried to sensationally poach the Broncos legend for expansion rivals the Dolphins.
As the Broncos prepare to launch their 2023 finals campaign against the Storm or Warriors, Walters declared Langer – Brisbane’s greatest ever player – is the X-factor in the club’s mission to smash a 17-year title drought.
Such is his importance as an assistant to Walters, Brisbane’s foundation coach Bennett tried to lure ‘Alfie’ from Red Hill to Redcliffe in a bid to instil a winning culture at new franchise the Dolphins.
But Walters declared Langer is going nowhere, saying the 258-game halfback icon has been a critical mentor for skipper Adam Reynolds and Brisbane’s rising stars as they target the Broncos’ first premiership since 2006.
“We will be carrying ‘Alf’ out of here in a box,” Walters said ahead of Brisbane’s first finals campaign since 2019.
“People underestimate Alf’s contribution to this club since he has retired.
“I certainly haven’t.
“He is a great ally to have.
“He is a real Bronco man as well which makes it even more special.
“It’s great having him here. He is great with the players, his characteristics around the players is fantastic and the most important thing is that Alfie is a winner … he is a winner.
“He has been great for the club and I’m pleased he is enjoying our success as well.”
Langer was so shattered about Brisbane’s free fall as a club under former coach Anthony Seibold he gave genuine thought to severing ties with the Broncos after they finished with the wooden spoon in 2020.
But the arrival of Walters at Red Hill has reinvigorated Langer.
The duo were the scrumbase magicians that delivered Brisbane’s watershed premiership in 1992 and Walters’ understanding of Brisbane’s DNA has reignited the spark in Langer, who has taken playmakers Reynolds, Ezra Mam and Jock Madden under his wing.
Stealing Langer from the Broncos would have been a monster coup for the Dolphins and Bennett cryptically confirmed he made furtive inquiries with his one-time playmaking genius.
“I tried to help him get a pay rise,” Bennett said with a wry grin.
Asked if Langer got a pay rise to stay at the Broncos, Bennett replied: “Yeah, he did.
“I didn’t want him to leave the Broncos to be honest with you.
“Lots of things have happened at the Broncos and lots of changes but Allan Langer can’t not be a Bronco.
“It is as simple as that.”
Bennett laughed off suggestions Langer is Brisbane’s spiritual ‘14th man’ in their bid for a drought-breaking seventh club premiership.
“If he’s the 14th man he better start getting himself in a bit of nick,” Bennett quipped.
“He’s way out of nick. I hope he doesn’t break down in the big games.
“I have been a great part of Allan Langer’s life. I don’t need to sing his praises. He knows how I feel about him and what I think of him.
“There is the Broncos and then there is Allan Langer.”
Walters is confident the last-round loss will not halt Brisbane’s momentum ahead of a week-one finals showdown against either Melbourne or the Warriors at Suncorp Stadium.
The Broncos had a glorious chance to clinch their first minor premiership in 23 years by beating the Storm, but if Penrith overcome the Cowboys on Saturday night, the Panthers will snatch the JJ Giltinan Shield on percentages.
“I don’t think this will affect us, if anything it will sharpen us which is a good thing,” Walters said.
“We are in a really strong position as a club with our depth.
“While it’s disappointing (to lose to the Storm), if you look at the bigger picture we are in a good place to do really well in the finals and that’s what we’re about.
“We could still finish first over the weekend depending on results, that’s how I’m looking at it, I’m a glass half-full person.”
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