The departure of Kevin Walters as Brisbane Broncos coach has raised concerns over the future of Reece Walsh’s $5 million contract extension. Although the club announced on Thursday that Walters had “stepped down” from his role, reports suggest the decision was more of a sacking following an independent review into the team’s disappointing 2024 season. Despite making the grand final in 2023, the Broncos fell to a dismal 12th place in 2024, missing the finals and prompting the leadership shake-up. Now, questions surround Walsh’s contract, which remains unsigned, even though the young fullback reportedly agreed to a four-year, $5 million deal.
With Walters’ departure, some are wondering how this might impact Walsh’s future at the club. Walsh and Walters shared a positive working relationship, and the coach played a key role in bringing the 22-year-old back to the Broncos from the New Zealand Warriors. On Thursday, former NRL players Mat Rogers and Scott Sattler raised concerns about Walsh’s contract status on SEN radio, seeking insight from Peter Badel, a journalist with the Courier Mail. However, Badel reassured listeners that he didn’t believe the coaching change would affect Walsh’s contract, saying that Walsh’s agreement to stay at the club and his relationship with Walters were likely separate matters.
Despite this, the uncertainty surrounding Walsh’s contract remains a talking point, especially since the club has not yet officially confirmed the deal. Walsh is a fan favorite, but his 2024 season was hampered by injuries and a dip in form, leading to speculation about what a new coach could mean for his role in the team. The new head coach will need to focus on securing Walsh’s future at the club before November 1, the date when Walsh becomes eligible to negotiate with other teams for the 2026 season.
The abrupt exit of Walters, who had two years remaining on his contract, adds another layer of complexity to Brisbane’s upcoming season. Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy thanked Walters for his contributions over the past four years, recognizing his dedication to the club during a challenging period. While the Broncos look for a new leader, they’ll need to ensure that retaining their star talent, particularly Walsh, remains a top priority as they prepare for 2025.
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