Former Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters is making his return to media after being let go by the club ahead of the 2025 NRL season. The 57-year-old, who enjoyed a successful stint as coach of the Broncos, will reportedly rejoin the Fox League team for the 2024 season. This marks a return to the network that Walters worked with before taking on his coaching role. His first foray into media began in 2014 when Fox Sports brought him on board, along with former Queensland teammate Scott Prince, to join the likes of Ben Ikin, Gorden Tallis, and Gary Belcher in their commentary team. Walters’ return to Fox League will see him once again provide expert analysis and commentary, this time alongside some of the biggest names in rugby league, such as Greg Alexander, Mal Meninga, and Michael Ennis, according to the Courier Mail.
Walters was widely praised during his previous media career, where his warm and approachable personality resonated with viewers. His down-to-earth style and easygoing demeanor made him a fan favorite, and his insightful commentary brought a unique perspective to the NRL. Walters’ extensive experience as both a player and coach gives him a deep understanding of the game, allowing him to offer invaluable tactical insights and an insider’s look at the inner workings of the Brisbane Broncos. Having steered the club to a Grand Final appearance in 2023, Walters is in a prime position to offer expert analysis on the current state of the NRL and provide a behind-the-scenes perspective on the club he led for several seasons.
The announcement of Walters’ return to Fox League comes in the wake of his sacking by the Broncos, which has stirred significant controversy and debate among former club legends. The Courier Mail reports that Walters’ dismissal was recently the subject of a heated discussion between two of Brisbane’s most beloved premiership-winning players, Darren Lockyer and Shane Webcke, at a sports lunch in Toowoomba. While the event initially had a light-hearted tone, with jokes and banter between the two legends, the mood shifted when the topic of Walters’ sacking was broached.
Webcke, who is known for his passionate support of the Broncos, was quick to voice his displeasure with how the club’s management handled the situation. He criticized the Broncos hierarchy for the treatment of Walters, a figure who had been a part of the club’s DNA for years. Webcke expressed frustration with the way Walters’ departure was managed, claiming that the fallout from the sacking was not up to the standards expected of a club as prestigious as Brisbane. His critique centered on the lack of professionalism and respect shown in how the situation was handled, especially considering Walters’ considerable contributions to the club, including his role in leading the team to a Grand Final.
Lockyer, on the other hand, took a more measured approach. As a long-time Broncos board member, Lockyer offered a more balanced perspective, acknowledging that while the handling of Walters’ departure could have been better, the decision to part ways with the coach ultimately came down to the collective judgment of the board. Lockyer explained that the decision to sack Walters was not taken lightly, and although he agreed that the way the situation unfolded wasn’t ideal, he maintained that the decision to part ways with Walters was ultimately the right one. Lockyer also pointed out that he was only one of several people involved in the board’s decision, suggesting that it was a collective rather than an individual choice. He reiterated that despite the controversy surrounding the sacking, there would have been no change in the outcome, regardless of how the situation was managed.
Despite their differing views on the handling of Walters’ sacking, the two NRL greats remained respectful throughout their conversation. According to a guest at the event, the debate was “robust” but remained civil, with no lingering tension between the two. After the discussion, both Lockyer and Webcke stayed around to enjoy drinks together, and while their views were clearly at odds, there was no ill-will between them. One guest described the atmosphere as one of mutual respect, even as both men stood firm in their beliefs on the matter. The topic of Walters’ sacking was clearly an emotional one for both of them, given their deep connections to the Broncos and the history they share with Walters as three-time premiership winners together in 1997, 1998, and 2000.
The discussion between Lockyer and Webcke underscores just how personal and contentious Walters’ sacking has been for former Broncos players. Walters, who was contracted for two more years, has long been a beloved figure at the club, and his sudden departure has left many of the Broncos’ Old Boys feeling disappointed and disillusioned. Walters’ dismissal has stirred up strong emotions, particularly among those who were part of the club’s golden era, and it’s clear that the decision to part ways with him has had a lasting impact on those who have a deep affection for the club’s history. The fallout from Walters’ sacking continues to reverberate within the Broncos community, with figures like Webcke and Lockyer publicly disagreeing on how it was handled, further highlighting the complexities surrounding the club’s decision.