- Darren Lockyer is Broncos club board member
- Walters was axed out of the blue last month
Broncos legend Darren Lockyer has revealed the real reason Kevin Walters was sacked as head coach last month in a development that left fans and the club’s stars shocked.
The Brisbane board member and former teammate of Walters said it was a tough decision – but finishing 12th this NRL season with a roster boasting the likes of Reece Walsh, Ezra Mam, Pat Carrigan and Payne Haas was ‘not acceptable’.
‘Kevvie’ is a great bloke and that’s what makes it so difficult,’ Lockyer told News Corp.
‘It’s not pleasant at all when you have to move on a legend of the game.
‘He was also five minutes away from winning the grand final last year if it wasn’t for Nathan Cleary.
‘At the back end of the year, the team fell away significantly. The call was made based on the playing talent at the Broncos, which there is plenty of.’
Lockyer also pointed to the winning mentality of Michael Maguire as the reason he was offered a three-year deal at Red Hill.
Broncos legend and board member Darren Lockyer (pictured) has opened up about the decision to axe his former teammate Kevin Walters as coach
Lockyer said finishing 12th this season with a roster boasting the likes of Reece Walsh, Ezra Mam, Pat Carrigan and Payne Haas was ‘not acceptable’ for Walters (pictured)
Walters’ replacement Michael Maguire (pictured coaching the NSW State of Origin side this year) has declared he is a ‘career coach who loves the daily stuff’
In the past 12 months, ‘Madge’ guided New Zealand to a 30-0 win over Australia in the Pacific Championship final – and won this year’s State of Origin series with NSW.
He also won a premiership with the Rabbitohs in 2014 – and it is hoped he can better manage Brisbane’s galaxy of stars.
‘We feel that Michael Maguire has some traits that will complement what the Broncos need, Lockyer added.
Walters was left devastated by his sudden sacking.
‘Aside from playing here, it has been the greatest thrill and honour of my life to have coached the Broncos,’ he said.
‘It’s time for me to step away and spend some quality time with my loved ones, who have supported me all the way.
I’m grateful to the club for providing me with the opportunity to be head coach, and we have come a long way from the wooden spoon to last year’s run to the grand final. I wish the team and the club all the best.’
Maguire, who knows Broncos old boys such as Gorden Tallis and Shane Webcke will heavily scrutinise his every move – stated he is ‘extremely hungry to win another competition’ following his appointment.
‘I am a career coach. I love the daily stuff,’ the 50-year-old said.
‘My last campaign in Origin. It was an incredible, amazing experience. But I am a person that loves the day to day.
‘I’ve missed having a staff. I’ve missed having players around me daily.’
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