‘Lost my way’: Kevin Walters’ candid confession on maiden season at Red Hill

Brisbane coach Kevin Walters has confessed he briefly “lost his way a bit as a person” during his maiden season at Red Hill.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 17: Coach Kevin Walters of the Broncos looks dejected as he speaks at a press conference after the round 15 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium, on June 17, 2021, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters has confessed he briefly “lost his character” during his maiden season at Red Hill.

Walters replaced Anthony Seibold as head coach following Brisbane’s tumultuous 2020 campaign, which included several off-field incidents and the dreaded wooden spoon.

Although the Broncos have undeniably shown signs of improvement over the past 12 months, they have only registered five wins in 21 matches this season.

The lowlight came back in May when the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles secured a crushing 50-6 victory over the Broncos at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

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The 2021 premiership was always touted as a rebuilding season for the Broncos, but a cluster of heavy defeats early in the year left Walters feeling disillusioned in his new role.

“When we were in that heavy losing streak, losing by big margins, I feel like I sort of lost my way as a person, as an individual,” he told SEN 1170’s Breakfast with Vossy.

“You start blaming yourself. I lost my character.

“That was disappointing, it was a tough period.

“I lost my way a bit as a person, when we have to face that again I’ll be different, I’ll make sure I stay true to myself and my way as a person.”

Brisbane coach Kevin Walters.

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Regardless, Walters said he has learnt plenty from the lengthy streak of defeats and looks forward to developing his players further over the coming months.

“It’s been better than digging holes,” Walters said.

“It’s tough coaching in the NRL but the enjoyment factor is watching players develop, a few more wins would’ve made it more enjoyable.

“It‘s been fun, I love working at the Broncos.”

The Courier Mail reports that Brisbane’s recruiters have discussed a poaching bid for Warriors phenom Reece Walsh, who the club allowed to leave as he signed a $1.2 million, three-year deal before he had played a single NRL game.

“We never wanted to lose Reece,” Walters said. “We are a Queensland-based club and I had high hopes for Reece to play for the Broncos.

“I wished Reece all the best at the Warriors. He has been playing some good footy for them, which I expected him to do, but he’s only young.

“I’m not sure what will happen down the track, but Reece is always welcome back here, certainly.”

The Broncos will next face the Warriors at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 4.05pm AEST.

Originally published as ‘Lost my way’: Kevin Walters’ candid confession on maiden season at Red Hill