Walters’ brother gone as Broncos wield axe to coaching staff after 2022 nightmare

The Broncos have lost two senior figures from its coaching ranks with the first heads rolling from the club’s end of year review.

Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters Picture NRL Photos

The Broncos have sacked assistant coach Terry Matterson, the club confirmed on Friday.

On a day of turmoil at the club, it has also been announced that coach Kevin Walters’ brother Steve has also resigned from his position as football manager.

The Courier-Mail first reported it was Kevin Walters’ decision to sack Matterson in a bloody end to the club’s end-of-season review. The report claims Walters has been left gutted by the call, but made the hard decision regardless.

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The senior coach has been under immense pressure following the club’s disastrous end to the 2022 season, but it was announced by the club recently that his position was not under threat despite an ongoing football operations review.

The Broncos confirmed the news in a statement on Friday. Matterson was reportedly told on Thursday.

“The Brisbane Broncos can announce some changes to its Football Department,” the Broncos said in a statement.

Brisbane Broncos head coach Kevin Walters pulled the trigger. Picture: Jerad Williams.

“NRL Assistant Coach Terry Matterson and Football Administration Manager Steve Walters are departing after playing major roles in the club’s revival over the past two seasons.

“Both Terry and Steve have worked tirelessly in their roles over recent years and everyone at the club is extremely thankful for their significant contribution to the Broncos,” Broncos coach Kevin Walters said.

“Terry has played and coached at the highest level. He won two premierships with the Broncos as a player. He has worked as a coach for the best part of 20 years and bought a wealth of experience and knowledge to his role as a senior assistant coach.

“Steve has been working as a football manager for the last 20 years. He has worked with both the Kangaroos and Maroons through some of their most successful eras and the Broncos are grateful for his contribution and expertise over the past two seasons.”

Walters’ other assistant, former Titans head coach John Cartwright, is expected to be retained for 2023.

The Broncos lost six of their last seven games of the season.

Kevin Walters didn’t have any answers. Picture NRL Photos.

It was a shocking fall from grace for the Broncos who were in the top four in round 19 and missed the finals.

Broncos legend Gorden Tallis ripped into the team’s playing list following a season-defining loss to the Eels recently.

Walters was seen blowing up at his players during a post-match address inside the dressing room after the game.

According to rugby league reporter Ben Dobbin, several Broncos players were “upset” with how Walters spoke to the group after the loss, revealing the coach called his team “soft” during the spray.

And Tallis was not impressed with the revelation, arguing Walters “had a right” to blast his players and calling on the Broncos coach to drop the footballers that complained.

“Whoever those two are that whinged and they should just write a line through them,” Tallis said.

“If I found out and I was at that organisation, I don’t want to play with that guy.”

The club has six months to find answers before the 2023 season.