Brisbane Broncos Set to Extend Kevin Walters’ Contract Through 2026.
The Brisbane Broncos are reportedly finalizing a contract extension for head coach Kevin Walters that will keep him with the team until at least the end of 2026. This extension, which follows an impressive 2023 season, reflects the club’s confidence in Walters’ ability to continue leading the team’s resurgence after a tough period in its history.
Walters, a five-time Premiership winner with the Broncos as a player, took over as head coach in 2020 following the club’s disastrous wooden spoon finish under previous coach Anthony Seibold. His appointment marked a return to familiar leadership at the Broncos, and while his early tenure had its challenges, the team has shown significant progress under his guidance.
Initially, Walters signed a contract that ran through the end of the 2025 season, but his new deal adds another year, keeping him at Red Hill until 2026. This move is seen as a vote of confidence in Walters, who led the Broncos to the 2023 NRL Grand Final. Although Brisbane fell short in a dramatic match against the Penrith Panthers, the turnaround from a last-place finish to a grand final appearance in just three years is seen as a testament to Walters’ leadership.
When Walters took over, the Broncos were at a historic low, struggling to recover from internal turmoil and poor on-field performance. His appointment came with high expectations, particularly from Brisbane’s “old boys,” many of whom believed that his deep ties to the club would help restore its competitive edge.However, Walters’ first season saw the team finish in 14th place, raising questions about his suitability as head coach.
In 2022, signs of improvement were evident as the Broncos hovered in the top eight for much of the season before a late collapse saw them finish ninth. Despite this, the Broncos maintained their faith in Walters, believing that the team was on the right track.
Their patience paid off in 2023, as the Broncos, led by young stars like Reece Walsh, Payne Haas, and Pat Carrigan, made it to the NRL Grand Final for the first time in eight years. Though they were unable to secure the premiership, the season was considered a huge success, showing that Walters had managed to steer the team in the right direction.
Future Goals
The contract extension through 2026 provides Walters and his coaching staff with the stability needed to continue building a competitive squad. Walters himself expressed excitement about the extension, emphasizing his desire to bring a premiership back to Brisbane after an 18-year drought. “We have had some success, but we are hungry for much more,” he said, acknowledging that the foundation for future success has already been laid.
Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy echoed Walters’ sentiments, stating that the contract extension allows the club to maintain continuity and focus on long-term goals. “This contract extension extends the runway for Kev and his team, giving us continuity and certainty to keep adding to the building blocks that the club has put in place under his stewardship,” Donaghy said.
With Kevin Walters at the helm until 2026, the Brisbane Broncos are positioning themselves for sustained success. After years of struggle, the team is once again considered one of the NRL’s top contenders, thanks in large part to Walters’ leadership. Now, the focus turns to breaking the club’s premiership drought and restoring the Broncos to their former glory.
Be the first to comment