Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters dodges tough questions in bizarre presser

Brisbane coach Kevin Walters emulated the great Wayne Bennett by dodging tough questions before abruptly ending a press conference.

Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters has emulated the great Wayne Bennett by dodging tough questions before abruptly ending a press conference on Thursday afternoon.

Walters avoided questions about Payne Haas’ recent off-field behaviour and speculation surrounding the future of hooker Andrew McCullough in a bizarre media call in Brisbane.

On Thursday, Haas apologised for intimidating police during a drunken tirade on NSW’s north coast last month.

The Broncos forward escaped a conviction after pleading guilty on Thursday, but could still face sanctions from the NRL over his conduct, which was described as “appalling” by Magistrate Geoff Dunlevy.

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At the media appearance for next week’s All Stars Boxing night, Walters refused to comment on the Haas incident.

“I think we’ll stick to what we’re talking about here, I’ll leave that one alone,” Walters said.

“I can (avoid it), I can just say no.

“I’ll talk about it in an appropriate environment. We’re not here to talk about any of those things. We’re here to talk about the boxing.”

Broncos coach Kevin Walters at Coorparoo Boxing Gym.

When asked if he was disappointed in Haas, Walters bluntly responded: “The boxing is great, it’s going to be a fun night. I won’t be able to go to Townsville, but it will be nice to watch it from home.”

Walters was then asked about Paul Green’s appointment as the new Queensland Maroons coach, to which he replied: “I won’t make any comment about the new Origin coach.

“I’m happy for Greeny to get the job. I’m sure he’ll do a great job.”

A reporter then queried about McCullough — who has been linked with a move to St George Illawarra — which prompted Walters to end the media call.

“Thanks for your time this afternoon,” Walters said.

Kevvie is already storming out of pressers and dodging questions?

Does not bode well for being an NRL coach

— Simon Brunsdon (@SimonBrunsdon) February 4, 2021

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Instead, Broncos assistant coach Terry Matterson addressed the Haas incident, which dominated headlines on Thursday.

“I’d say the next step now is for the NRL to look at this,” Matterson said.

“I haven’t known Payne for too long but what I have seen, he is a quality young man.

“There isn’t much to Payne, he just loves playing footy and he is very disappointed with what’s happened.

“He has owned up to it and whatever happens, we will deal with that.

“We are hopeful of having him for the first game of the year.”

Walters was announced the new Broncos coach in September after Anthony Seibold stepped down from the position.

Originally published as Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters dodges tough questions in bizarre presser