Crash Tackle: Kevin Walters makes Broncos cull threat personal

Kevin Walters has made three big plays in the “spirit stakes’’ in just over a week but this is the biggest - because it’s personal, writes Robert Craddock.

Kevin Walters has put 18 Broncos on notice. Picture: Che Chorley

Kevin Walters has echoed a sentiment once expressed by former Prime Minister Paul Keating in a crucial move which should tell us whether the beaten-up Broncos have any untapped potential.

Keating once said “always back self-interest because at least you know it will have a red hot go for you.’’

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Indeed. Nothing quite matches a man’s loyalty to saving his own hide.

By confirming to News Corp on Saturday he would undergo a major Broncos roster overhaul, coach Walters has put the careers of most players at the club on notice, effectively stirring those deep seated, self-serving instincts Keating insists are so potent.

Walters’ first big play in the “spirit stakes’’ was when he baked the Broncos before last week’s clash against Penrith about their questionable passion levels for the club.

Kevin Walters has put 18 Broncos on notice. Picture: Che Chorley

It sparked a significant effort spike but the Broncos were back to their slipshod ways against Eels in Darwin on Friday, prompting another “Kevvie carve-up’’ in the dressing room which reportedly mentioned the amount of errors and general lack of resilience in the effort.

Then, a day later, came Walters’ confirmation that careers are on the line in a major roster overhaul.

Of the three big moments this was the most threatening because it was the most personal.

Say what you like about club history, team spirit and error rates, nothing motivates a player like “right, it’s time to cut the list?’’

But there is a catch. After just seven rounds of a long season Walters has pounded the pulpit about commitment, passion, and now conceded has conceded heads will roll.

All of it is totally justified but the worry is that a coach has only so many bullets in his belt.

If the three flaming arrows don’t work where does he go next?

CONFUSING CALLS

Rugby league is one of the few sports in the world where matches can swing on calls which remain a total mystery to commentators and fans.

Momentum shifts in the game are huge this season with the “six again’’ calls dictating the course of matches.

It just doesn’t seem right that the public has no idea of what the errors are for given they are not explained to the wider world.

UNDERRATED STAR

He may never been one of the competition’s headline acts but widely travelled Titans winger Corey Thompson has become a fan favourite and an outstanding buy.

Rampaging David Fifita owns most of the Titans “must watch’’ moments this season but Thompson, the Brisbane-raised former Bulldog and Tiger, is entertaining in a different way with his electric pace, general elusiveness and willingness to throw his diminutive frame into the fray.

Corey Thompson is one of the most underrated players in the game. Picture: Evan Morgan

PAY PAYTEN

It’s anyone’s guess where the Cowboys go from here but new coach Todd Payten must be applauded for sticking to his straight-shooting guns.

This columnist was one of many voices fearing for Payten’s future after his admirable but withering direct criticism of his team in the opening rounds.

But Payten stayed loyal to what he was trying to achieve and three successive wins included a spirited comeback against the Raiders on Saturday, sells the one commodity that Cowboys fans were desperate for this season … hope.

Todd Payten. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty

ON TRIAL

Gold Coast playmaker Ash Taylor is set for a major pay cut next season. The question is how much?

Taylor’s million-dollar-a-season deal comes to an end this year and while he can still be creative his pace after hip surgery is not what it was.

He is playing for his future every match and likely to slide down to $400,000 range. There will at least will be the relief that he won’t have to drag the “million dollar man’’ tag around like a ball and chain. 

Originally published as Crash Tackle: Kevin Walters makes Broncos cull threat personal