Crash Tackle: Robert Craddock reveals the subtle challenges facing Kevin Walters in new Broncos role

Kevin Walters and the Broncos have gone their separate ways but remain linked together. ROBERT CRADDOCK dissects the challenges awaiting Brisbane and the club’s new ambassador.

It’s not always the smallest jobs that are the easiest to do.

When Kevin Walters agreed to stay on as a club ambassador after being axed by the Broncos it took some steam out of the separation and ensured there would be no stinging parting shot from the coach, not that would have been his choice anyway.

After the brutal stresses of first grade coaching the ambassador role was seen as a soothing sweetener ... a friction free safety net where Walters could turn up at functions and sing the club’s virtues.

That’s fine to a point. Walters loved the club as much as anyone who has ever played for it.

But at this sensitive time you wonder if a better call might have been for a little bit of separation between the grieving couple.

No matter what fate awaits the Broncos under Michael Maguire, Walters could have some potentially awkward moments in his ambassadorial role.

If they go badly, your average punter might be blowing up on Kev’s behalf. If they are do well Walters has to sit back and listen to what a great job the new coach is doing.

Kevin Walters. Picture: NRL

MOONMAN’S ADVICE

When you have had a tough day there are worse people to run in to than one of Australia’s best comedians.

Walters was down the Gold Coast after his sacking when he encountered Lawrence “Moonman’’ Mooney who’s new show has been warmly received around the country.

Mooney, an admirer of Walters, was saddened by the news and said to Walters “my advice is don’t drink a bottle of red and start tweeting or texting.”

Walters responded with smile and said he was already thinking that way.

BRING BACK DR PHIL

When the Broncos missed out winning the 2023 NRL grand final by a feather, AFL great Jason Akermanis reckons he knew the man they needed.

It wasn’t a crash-tackling backrower or conjuring centre but sports psychologist Phil Jauncey who had linked with Wayne Bennett at the Dolphins.

Akermanis worked closely with Jauncey during the Lions three-peat in 2001-02-03 and still feels the Broncos could do with the help of the man whose unique formula, which analyses personality traits, helping players understand themselves, each other and the opposition.

“When they got in the position to win the grand final they didn’t know what to do I thought of him (Jauncey),’’ Akermanis said.

Sports Psychiatrist Dr Phil Jauncey linked with Wayne Bennett and the Dolphins. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“They did the opposite to what was required and that’s what people like Phil are great at – making sure you do what you who know works for you.

“Phil – or someone who uses his methods and models – would be a great addition for the Broncos. I know Wayne used Phil when he went to South Sydney last time so he might be hard to get given Wayne has gone back to Souths.

“A lot of club uses psychs but they are different and Phil’s models have stood the test of time and have been the most successful of any sport psychologist in Australia’s history with the Lions three-peat, the Broncos successes of the past and the Australian cricket team.’’

Akermanis thought Walters was harshly treated and claimed there were several AFL coaches - including Lions mentor Chris Fagan - who were criticised for their methods and went on to swiftly win premierships.

Originally published as Crash Tackle: Robert Craddock reveals the subtle challenges facing Kevin Walters in new Broncos role