NRL 2024: Kevin Walters on verge of signing upgraded contract extension

After being rewarded for Brisbane’s grand final run in 2023 with a pay rise and contract extension, Kevin Walters has opened up on his big Broncos goals. Full details

Kevin Walters is on the cusp of inking an extension. Picture: Josh Woning

Kevin Walters wants to lead the Broncos for longer than Wayne Bennett and admits he “hasn’t achieved anything as a coach” after being handed a contract extension by Brisbane.

As revealed by this masthead on Wednesday, Walters has been rewarded for the Broncos’ 2023 grand final season with an upgraded and extended contract on the eve of Friday night’s Queensland derby against the Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium.

The new deal sees Walters pocket a pay rise on his previously signed 2024-25 contract and a further one-year extension that will see him remain in charge of the Broncos until at least the end of 2026.

Walters, 56, took charge of the Broncos as head coach in late 2020 on the back of the NRL powerhouse claiming the wooden spoon for the first time under Anthony Seibold.

Walters guided the Broncos to finishes of 14th (2021) and ninth (2022) before last year’s top two surge and heartbreaking grand final loss to Penrith.

Kevin Walters wants to lead the Broncos for longer than Wayne Bennett. Picture: Getty Images

Bennett, 74, coached the Broncos for 25 seasons (1988-2008 and 2015-18), winning six premierships at the club, and Walters said he had the super coach’s record in his sights.

“I want to go past Wayne,” Walters said with a trademark smirk.

“What was Wayne here for? 20-odd years? I’ll be 105 by then.

“I see myself here long-term. I’m really grateful for the extension but I’d like to think I’ll be here longer than that.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to coach here four years ago and I’m really grateful for the extension the Broncos have given us.

“It’s about some stability there in the coaching and playing group.

“It’s about winning trophies now, that’s what I’m here for, nothing else.”

Walters, a five-time premiership player with the Broncos, defied his detractors by taking Brisbane from wooden spooners to grand finalists in the space of three seasons.

He was controversially handed a two-year extension before the start of last season, which proved to be a shrewd move by club bosses, and has now been rewarded with a better deal for his efforts.

But Walters insisted he hadn’t achieved anything as a coach following last year’s grand final choke, where the Broncos surrendered a 16-point lead to the Panthers in the dying stages.

“I haven’t achieved anything as a coach,” he said.

“There is (more work to be done). I’ve been a big advocate of that for a long time.

“We’re not there yet. We’ve still got hard work in front of us and I’m very pleased that I’ll be part of that hard work.

“I can certainly be better as a coach. Across the board we’re working really hard to get trophies here.

“It (Broncos) means everything. This is my second family.

“I’ve got a real passion and drive to make the club great, and a club people are really proud of.

“It’s not just my work. I need a lot of help from Dave (Donaghy, CEO), the board, our sponsors and members. We’re all part of this unique family.”

Kevin Walters after last year’s grand final. Picture: Adam Head

It’s been a big week on the contract front for the Broncos, with Walters’ new deal following revelations star fullback Reece Walsh was on the brink of committing his long-term future to Brisbane.

Walters said he was confident Walsh’s five-year mega deal would be finalised shortly.

“I just feel the environment we’re providing here for Reece is the best one for him,” he said.

“I can’t comment too much about others’ contracts, but I’d be surprised if Reece is playing somewhere else.”

Originally published as NRL 2024: Kevin Walters on verge of signing upgraded contract extension