Kevin Walters sacking leaves club legend Allan Langer uncertain over Broncos role

Allan Langer has been rocked by the Broncos demise of his great mate Kevin Walters - and Brisbane’s favourite son is preparing to make a monumental decision.

Allan Langer (L) left shattered by Kevin Walters Broncos exit. Picture: David Clark

Shattered Allan Langer will use a family holiday to contemplate his future at the Broncos following the shock demise of his Ipswich soulmate Kevin Walters.

Club legend Langer was rocked by the news Walters had lost his first-grade coaching job following a review of the club’s poor season.

Langer, currently out of Brisbane on a family holiday visiting his daughter, spoke to this masthead on Sunday. He declined to offer any public comment on the drama but did confirm he would spend time contemplating his future over the next few weeks.

Langer declined to speculate on how likely he was to stay in his role as an assistant coach at the club, where he was a four-time premiership captain.

NSW State of Origin coach Michael Maguire is tipped to be the new Broncos coach.

Normally the potential loss of an assistant coach would not be major news but the relationship between the Broncos and Langer defines both parties.

The Broncos would be rocked to lose Langer, the spiritual heartbeat of the club and their most popular player.

Allan Langer (L) left shattered by Kevin Walters Broncos exit. Picture: David Clark

Former Broncos coach Anthony Seibold once noted his playing roster held up two old boys above the rest – Darren Lockyer, because he was the club’s last great player, and Langer because of his extraordinary achievements and magnetic personality.

Langer, described by Ricky Stuart as “the greatest Bronco’’, is also a timeless fan favourite and it would be a severe blow to the club to lose him.

The Walters and Langer families are extremely close and grew up together in Ipswich.

Langer’s long-time coach Wayne Bennett made a quiet approach to Langer to join the Dolphins before they launched last season but Langer’s loyalty to Walters kept him at the Broncos.

Wendell Sailor (L) and Kevin Walters (R) carrying Allan Langer (C) form the field after the 1998 grand final.

Walters once said of Langer’s behind-the-scenes role: “He is a great ally to have and is a real Broncos man, which makes it even more special.

“We will be carrying Alf out in a box.”

Broncos captain Adam Reynolds has called on players to take more responsibility for their performances.

“Unfortunately, we weren’t able to get to the heights that we reached the year before, but that’s not Kevin’s fault. That’s also on us players,” he said.

“As a group we need to have a hard look at ourselves and be honest that we weren’t good enough.”

“We have to take ownership, 100 per cent. We’re out there playing the game, not the coach. If we’re not getting results, that’s got to be an onus on the players as well.

“I’m sure whoever comes in will put the onus on us to make sure we get the job done.

“I just feel for Kevvie because he put a lot of great, hard work into the club. I’ve never seen anyone care about the Broncos as much as Kev does. The passion that he shows is pretty special and something that I’ll always try and live up to.

“No doubt a lot of us are going to have a look in the mirror, see how we can get better.”

Originally published as Kevin Walters sacking leaves club legend Allan Langer uncertain over Broncos role