NRL 2021: Broncos Old Boys chairman Chris Johns resigns in protest over treatment of Kevin Walters

League legend Chris Johns has revealed why he stepped down as the Broncos Old Boys chairman, as the relationship between ex-greats and the club breaks down again.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 21: Ben Ikin commentator during the round seven NRL match between the Parramatta Eels and the Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium on April 21, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)

Broncos legend Chris Johns has sensationally resigned as Old Boys chairman, claiming embattled coach Kevin Walters has been disrespected over the appointment of Ben Ikin as Brisbane’s new head of football.

Long-serving Old Boys boss Johns submitted his resignation on Monday night – just hours after Ikin confirmed he had quit Fox Sports to join the Broncos as their football-operations chief.

Johns, who has had a 30-year friendship with Walters, suspects the Broncos coach was not consulted by Brisbane hierarchy on Ikin’s arrival as football boss to replace Peter Nolan, who was sacked on Friday.

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Chris Johns (second from right) has quit as Broncos Old Boys chairman.

But Walters claims he has no issue with Ikin’s appointment and is working closely with new Brisbane CEO Dave Donaghy to reinvigorate the Broncos as a premiership force.

The Broncos have had a turbulent and at times toxic relationship with the Old Boys, notably during Anthony Seibold’s two-year reign, but Johns’ resignation bombshell has underlined the political tension at Red Hill.

Johns, one of Brisbane’s greatest players, confirmed he has formally quit as Old Boys chairman in his personal protest at Walters’ perceived treatment.

“Yes, I have stood down,” said Johns, a 171-game legend who featured alongside Walters in Brisbane’s first two premiership wins in 1992-93.

Asked to explain why he had quit as Old Boys boss, Johns said: “Because of my frustration at what I think is a lack of support and respect to ‘Kevvie’.

“We seem to continually spiral down the same drain with the same people making the same decisions at Kevvie’s expense.”

Ikin will start at the Broncos from Monday and has a long association with Walters — they were Brisbane’s halves pairing in the club’s 14-6 premiership win over the Roosters in the 2000 grand final.

Johns campaigned strongly for Walters to be given a chance as Brisbane’s head coach and the timing of his resignation, just hours after the Ikin announcement, is mysterious.

Kevin Walters is adamant he was aware of Brisbane’s pursuit of Ben Ikin.

But Walters is adamant he was aware of Brisbane’s pursuit of Ikin.

“I think Ben Ikin is a great appointment, we are starting to get things in shape here at the Broncos,” he said.

“I’ve had great support since Dave Donaghy came into the building.

“I have no complaints about Dave Donaghy. I am in dialogue with him all the time.

“It’s been a tough week for sure, but Dave and I are working closely together on the decisions that have been made.

“We are all on the same page with the changes and I’m looking forward to getting back to training on the weekend.

“Dave has made it clear that, if required, I have his full support to bring in extra resources.”

Asked why he believed his good mate Johns had quit, Walters said: “Johnsy has been blueing with the Broncos for some time, so he’s probably had enough to be honest ... I don’t know.”

Dave Donaghy is committed to providing more resources for Kevin Walters.

Donaghy addressed fears the Old Boys organisation are again at war with the Broncos.

“Our club has a really strong relationship with the entire Old Boys network,” he said.

“We’ve increased our support to the Old Boys this year and we are working through ways to support them further.”

Donaghy said he was determined to build a football department to ease the strain on rookie NRL coach Walters, who is off-contract next season.

“We are channelling a lot of energy and investment into our football program,“ he said.

“We will continue to provide Kevin with the support he needs.”

Originally published as NRL 2021: Broncos Old Boys chairman Chris Johns resigns in protest over treatment of Kevin Walters