Sport Confidential: Allan Langer moved out of Brisbane Broncos football department
Allan Langer’s days on the field for the Brisbane Broncos are over with the club removing the cult hero from the football department – but incoming coach Michael Maguire is adamant Alf still has a role at Red Hill.
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Brisbane great Allan Langer’s days as an on-field trainer are over, but new coach Michael Maguire insists the club legend will not be sacked by the Broncos.
Maguire officially moved from Sydney to Brisbane on Wednesday and the incoming coach has plenty of decisions to make at the Broncos in coming weeks, including a revised role for ‘Alfie’ in his Red Hill regime.
Rated the greatest Bronco by foundation coach Wayne Bennett, Langer is Brisbane’s favourite son and has been a much-loved part of the club’s coaching staff over the past two decades.
The departure of his good mate Kevin Walters as coach last month hit Langer hard, to the point where Brisbane’s greatest halfback weighed up whether to submit his resignation.
It is understood Broncos hierarchy will move Langer away from the football department and offer him a role as a corporate ambassador, working with sponsors, given his stature at the club.
The loveable Langer has been a fixture at Red Hill over the past two decades, from running the water and relaying messages in the heat of NRL battle to quietly mentoring playmakers at Broncos training.
But Alfie’s days at the coalface are over, although Maguire has great respect for Langer’s legacy and will formally meet with Walters’ assistant to ensure he is a Bronco for life.
“Alf will be in the organisation,” Maguire said.
“I haven’t really had a chance to see him properly yet, but I have spoken to Alf over the phone and he’s a great man.
“I’ve been able to spend some time with him over the years.
“Now that I’m moving up, I want to sit down with Alf and see how best it all fits in together.”
Langer is adored and respected by current Broncos players. The 58-year-old’s larrikin ways have soothed souls and lifted spirits during the club’s darkest days, particularly their wooden-spoon year under Anthony Seibold in 2020.
Skipper Adam Reynolds says one of the key reasons he joined the Broncos from South Sydney was to be mentored by Langer, who was short-listed for NRL Immortal voting in August.
Maguire said even if Langer isn’t part of his coaching staff, the four-time premiership winner has a valuable role to play at the Broncos.
“He’s obviously one of the greats of the club and such a popular figure in the game,” he said.
“I think everyone enjoys Alf, but it’s just best how we put our program together.
“I’m looking forward to sitting down with him over the next couple of weeks to talk about where he fits in.
“Alf can play so many different parts within the Broncos organisation.”
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Originally published as Sport Confidential: Allan Langer moved out of Brisbane Broncos football department
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