- Darren Lockyer is a member of the board of directors of the Broncos club
- Walters was unexpectedly fired last month
Broncos legend Darren Lockyer has revealed the real reason why 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 difficult decision, but finishing 12th this NRL season with a squad featuring the likes of Reece Walsh, Ezra Mam, Pat Carrigan and Payne Haas was ” not acceptable.”
‘Kevvie’ is a great guy and that’s what makes it so difficult,” Lockyer said. News Corporation.
“It’s not nice when you have to move on with 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 end of the year, the team declined significantly. “The decision was made based on the Broncos’ playing talent, of which there is a lot.”
Lockyer also pointed to Michael Maguire’s winning mentality as the reason he was offered a three-year deal at Red Hill.
Broncos legend and board member Darren Lockyer (pictured) has spoken openly about the decision to fire his former teammate Kevin Walters as coach.
Lockyer said finishing 12th this season with a squad featuring the likes of Reece Walsh, Ezra Mam, Pat Carrigan and Payne Haas was “not acceptable” to Walters (pictured).
Walters’ replacement Michael Maguire (pictured coaching the NSW State of Origin team this year) has stated that he is a “career coach who loves the daily stuff”.
In the last 12 months, ‘Madge’ has guided New Zealand to a 30-0 victory 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 is expected to be able to better manage Brisbane’s galaxy of stars.
“We believe Michael Maguire has some traits that will complement what the Broncos need,” Lockyer added.
Walters was devastated by his sudden dismissal.
“Other than playing here, it has been the greatest thrill and honor of my life to have coached the Broncos,” he said.
‘It’s time for me to get away and spend some quality time with my loved ones, who have supported me throughout.
I am grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity to be head coach, and we have come a long way from the wooden spoon to reaching the grand final last year. I wish the team and the club all the best.”
Maguire, who knows Broncos old men such as Gorden Tallis and Shane Webcke will scrutinize his every move, said he is “very hungry to win another competition” following his appointment.
‘I’m a career coach. “I love the daily work,” said the 50-year-old.
‘My last campaign in Origin. It was an incredible, amazing experience. But I am a person who loves everyday life.
‘I’ve missed having a staff. “I missed having players around me every day.”
