Broncos hand coach Kevin Walters a ‘bombshell’ contract extension

The Brisbane Broncos have reportedly made a bold decision on the future of coach Kevin Walters in a development that comes with a twist.

Adam Reynolds and Kevin Walters. Pictures: NRL Photos

Broncos coach Kevin Walters is reportedly set to be handed a two-year contract extension.

The Courier-Mail first reported Walters is set to be issued a “bombshell” upgrade that will extend him through to the end of the 2025 season.

It comes just weeks after speculation surrounded the club great’s future after critical comments from Broncos star Selwyn Cobbo.

The parties were in the thick of contract negotiations when Cobbo famously said “I don’t think he’s a good coach” when he spoke on the ‘Back of the 135’ podcast in late October last year.

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Walters was handed a one-year extension before the 2022 season kicked off as the Broncos surged into the top four before being sensationally bundled out of the finals race.

The Broncos lost five of their final six games and were unable to break their three-year finals drought.

Despite this, the club has faith that Walters is the right man to lead the club to its next premiership.

The deal reportedly includes bonus clauses that would make Walters one of the highest paid coaches in the league.

However, The Courier-Mail reports the deal comes with a twist that would allow the Broncos to terminate the contract early without facing the same scenario the club had with Anthony Seibold where the Manly coach was handed a $1.5 million pay out.

Brisbane Broncos head coach Kevin Walters talking to the media after a training session on Friday 2 September 2022. Picture: Jerad Williams

Broncos chief executive Dave Donaghy said last month players have been impressed by Walters this pre-season.

“The feedback I’ve got from the senior players across the course of the pre-season is that training, preparation and the whole program has really stepped up. They are working incredibly hard and Kev is leading that,” Donaghy said.

“He is doing a great job and we are absolutely committed to continuing to support him, as we are with the entire football program, to help us get back to where we want to be.

“We all saw the progress last year. We got a bit sloppy at the back end of last season but we have reviewed it, learnt from it and implemented steps to improve it.

“The feedback I’m getting is that’s happening and I’m seeing strong progress across the course of the pre-season.”

Donaghy also emphasised the club’s focus on “stability and continuity” following a number of off-field incidents, including Cobbo and Tyson Gamble’s comments on Walters’ coaching.

“We’ve been through a lot of change over the last decade and haven’t had a lot of success. That’s not a coincidence,” Donaghy said.

“Coaching the Broncos is a different beast. It’s a club that has a lot of eyeballs on it. We have the largest membership base, TV audience, social following and are in the heartland of rugby league.

“It’s not for everyone, but Kev’s done a great job bringing people together. He’s been terrific at connecting everyone involved in the footy club.”