In the 2024 NRL season, Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters faced mounting pressure due to the team’s underwhelming performance and concerns about player attitudes. After narrowly missing a premiership in 2023, expectations were high for the Broncos. However, the team struggled, culminating in a significant 40-16 loss to the Dolphins, which eliminated them from finals contention.
Veteran sports journalist Phil Rothfield described the defeat as a “terrible, terrible capitulation,” highlighting the disparity between the team’s talent and their on-field results. He suggested that Walters might have a limited timeframe in the 2025 season to demonstrate improvement, given the roster’s potential.
Beyond performance issues, internal concerns about player attitudes emerged. Reports indicated that during the previous year’s Pacific Championships, leaders within the Kangaroos squad, including coach Mal Meninga, observed that some Broncos players appeared overconfident, potentially impacting team cohesion.
The Broncos’ decline was stark, especially considering their near-premiership success in 2023. The team’s morale and results deteriorated, with injuries and perceived lack of effort contributing to their struggles. Critics pointed out that while Walters was a respected club figure, his coaching approach, which heavily relied on motivation and nostalgia, might have lacked the strategic depth needed for sustained success.
Fan reactions to the team’s performance and Walters’ leadership were mixed. Some supporters believed the players bore significant responsibility for the underperformance, citing issues like complacency and lack of effort. A poll by The Courier-Mail revealed a nearly even split among fans regarding Walters’ sacking, with 51% opposing the decision. Discussions about potential replacements included names like Michael Maguire and Billy Slater, reflecting the divided opinions on the path forward for the club.
Ultimately, the Broncos conducted an internal review after the regular season, leading to Walters’ termination on September 26, 2024. During his four-season tenure, Walters secured 50 wins out of 99 games and played a pivotal role in revitalizing the club during challenging times. Despite leading the team to a grand final in 2023, he couldn’t end the premiership drought, prompting the club to seek new leadership.
In the aftermath, the Broncos appointed Michael Maguire as the new head coach. Under his leadership, the team aimed to rebuild and address the internal issues that plagued their previous seasons. Captain Adam Reynolds emphasized the importance of not getting carried away with expectations, stressing the need for focus and hard work. The return of Ben Hunt added experience to the squad, especially in the absence of the suspended Ezra Mam. The combined leadership of Reynolds and Hunt, along with the dynamic presence of fullback Reece Walsh, was seen as crucial for the team’s resurgence in the 2025 season.
As the 2025 season unfolds, the Broncos are focused on overcoming past challenges, improving team cohesion, and striving for the premiership that has eluded them for years.
