Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters’ contract poised to be extended

Kevin Walters’ new Broncos deal is set to include a hefty bonus should he lead Brisbane to its first premiership in almost two decades. Find out the full details here.

Kevin Walters watches over a Broncos training session.

Broncos bosses have declared Kevin Walters is the coach to break Brisbane’s 17-year premiership drought after securing the club legend to a $1 million contract extension.

News Corp can reveal Walters and the Broncos have formally agreed terms on a two-year deal in a huge coup for the Brisbane coach ahead of Saturday night’s clash against the Dragons at Suncorp Stadium.

The ‘Kev-olution’ is in full swing. The Broncos have started the 2023 campaign with a bang with consecutive wins over big guns Penrith and the Cowboys and they can go to the top of the league by beating the Dragons.

The parties have been in talks for the past two months and there was a sticking point over Walters’ salary. But that has been resolved and the deal has been sent to the Broncos’ board for final approval before an official announcement, expected next week before the Brisbane-Dolphins expansion derby.

Details of the deal include:

* Walters to be extended until the end of 2025;

* A shorter-term payout to provide the Broncos with protection and avoid the $1.5 million severance package issued to Walters’ predecessor Anthony Seibold;

* Bonuses for making the finals and the top four; and

* A proposed $1 million salary should Walters conquer the summit and deliver the Broncos another premiership.

Kevin Walters is poised to sign a $1m Broncos extension. Picture: Liam Kidston

The Broncos haven’t won a title since 2006 – the longest drought in their decorated 35-year history – but chairman Karl Morris says Brisbane’s premiership window under Walters is now wide open.

“Kevin has done a great job _ I believe this squad certainly has the potential to win a premiership,” Morris said.

“In my time here, I think it’s the best roster we’ve had.

“We’ve started the season with two wins against two teams last year, one is the defending premiers and the other was a top four team.

“It wasn’t so long ago commentators were calling us the Baby Broncos, but now some of those rookies have 40 and 50 games under their belts and we have a good sprinkling of experienced players.

“Importantly, we have a lot of depth this year. If we have an injury or two, we have quality players to cover which is a great sign for the season ahead.

“The players are happy and I’ve never seen them so united and Kevin has a lot to do with that.”

Adam Reynolds says he is pleased for Walters.

Champion skipper Adam Reynolds said the influence of Walters — a five-time premiership legend — was a major factor in his decision to quit Souths and join the Broncos.

“I’m pleased for ‘Kevvie’ (getting a new deal),” he said.

“He is a good coach and a great mentor and he bleeds what the Broncos are about.

“His passion is one of the reasons I wanted to come here and play for him.

“There is no better man to take this club forward. He is a very passionate person and he wants to get the club back to the top again.”

Walters took over a club languishing with the wooden spoon, but he has gradually inched the Broncos closer to the finals after last year’s ninth placing, missing the playoffs by one win.

This season, the Broncos look the real deal.

“Kevvie has done a great job bringing stability to the club and harmony in the dressing room,” Morris said.

“We’ve gone through a lot of change and a lot of it wasn’t easy, but Kevvie has played a great role in our recovery.

“It’s a team effort across the board but Kevvie’s enthusiasm and energy cannot be discounted.”

Originally published as Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters’ contract poised to be extended