NRL 2024: Next Brisbane Broncos coach will have to weigh up a $4 million roster overhaul after Kevin Walters’ departure

With Kevin Walters gone, the next Broncos coach will weigh up a $4 million roster overhaul, with nearly half of the team playing for their NRL futures in 2025.

The next Broncos coach will be weighing up a potential $4m roster overhaul. Picture: NRL Imagery

Brisbane’s new coach will weigh up a $4 million roster clean-out as nearly half of the Broncos’ underperforming squad plays for its future following the departure of Kevin Walters.

Walters’ four-year reign as Broncos coach came to an end on Thursday following a damning review into Brisbane’s crash from 2023 grand finalists to 12th this year.

The Broncos are racing to appoint a new coach before pre-season training begins in November, with NSW Origin mentor Michael Maguire the frontrunner for the role.

Maguire orchestrated South Sydney’s famous drought-breaking title win in 2014, ironically with current Broncos captain Adam Reynolds as his halfback.

Now he is set to take on the job of delivering Brisbane its first premiership since 2006, with the Broncos in advanced negotiations to secure Maguire.

The next Broncos coach will be weighing up a potential $4m roster overhaul. Picture: NRL Imagery

If he does land the role, Maguire won’t be hamstrung by a roster with no room to move.

While star players Reece Walsh (2029), Ezra Mam (2029), Pat Carrigan (2028) and Payne Haas (2026) are locked up, 13 of Brisbane’s top 30 squad is coming off-contract at the end of next season.

Their combined salaries are worth an estimated $4.3 million, giving the Broncos flexibility to hit the player market from November 1 in search of 2026 recruits.

Headlining the free agents beyond 2025 are Kangaroos duo Selwyn Cobbo and Kotoni Staggs, Reynolds, rising stars Blake Mozer and Xavier Willison, and forward Kobe Hetherington, who has already been granted permission to explore options for next year.

Brisbane legend Gorden Tallis said this was a prime opportunity for the Broncos to perform next year and gave the club a chance to refresh its squad.

If Michael Maguire does replace Kevin Walters he won’t be stuck with an unwanted roster for long, with a host of stars off contract in 2025. Picture: Getty Images

“This can be a good thing for the Broncos,” he said.

“Those guys are going to be playing for a contract. If you go by history, any time a player is off-contract, they normally have a great start to the year and a great pre-season because nothing can be taken for granted.

“The Broncos are in a great position because they can make changes to their roster and guys are playing for their dinner.

“You see some blokes really having a go and in the best form of their career and then you realise, of course, they are off-contract.”

Changes could be coming to Red Hill very soon as Hetherington weighs up his future in Brisbane after becoming stuck in a solid middle forwards rotation.

“We’ve had a lot of cubs showing interest, so we’re going to just see what’s happening and hopefully the Broncos get their suitable replacement,” said Hetherington’s manager, Chris Haddad.

“It’s 50-50 at the moment (if he will be there next season). We’ve got permission to talk (to other clubs).

“There’s definitely interest, but until they come back with offers, I don’t know where he could end up.

“Kobe loves the Broncos. Ideally, he doesn’t want to leave. But he feels he’s reached a point of his career where he’s a starting player and Patty Carrigan is the No. 13 at the Broncos.

“He really enjoys the group of blokes at the Broncos, but we’re looking around and seeing what’s available.”

One of the major factors in Brisbane’s slide this year was the club’s failure to adequately replace grand final quartet Tom Flegler (Dolphins), Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins), Kurt Capewell (Warriors) and Keenan Palasia (Titans).

Recruits Fletcher Baker, Jack Gosiewski and Jaiyden Hunt had little impact and are among the 2025 off-contract group.

While the Broncos had a poor 2024 season, Queensland legend Wally Lewis said the club was still incredibly attractive for prospective players given the talent already on its roster.

“It’s time for the talent scouts to work in overdrive,” he told Channel 9.

“They need to get out there and have a look at the exciting young talent waiting to attract a key club.

“When you’ve got key players on show it makes it attractive for players to make a switch. The Broncos have a wonderful name and a rich history.

“It wouldn’t take all that much, but the success of the club and the way they’re offering assistance to key players could be a real benefit for them.”

Originally published as NRL 2024: Next Brisbane Broncos coach will have to weigh up a $4 million roster overhaul after Kevin Walters’ departure