Brisbane captain Adam Reynolds has made a shock admission following the sacking of Broncos head coach Kevin Walters.
It was announced on Thursday that the 56-year-old, who won five championships with the Broncos as a player, would step down from his role at the club following a review into the team’s poor form in 2024, finishing 12th.
Walters’ contract was due to expire in 2026, having already spent four years at the club. Brisbane plans to begin the search for a new coach immediately.
According to the The Sydney Morning HeraldWalters’ departure was made by “mutual consent” and the Brisbane legend said it had been “the greatest thrill and honour” to take charge of the team.
But it appears players were not informed about his dismissal, with Reynolds telling the outlet that his team was working hard to “figure out what was going on.”
“We were as shocked as everyone else when the news broke; we haven’t heard anything official yet,” Reynolds told the Sydney Morning Herald on Thursday.
‘Kevvie is one of the main reasons I came to the club. Naturally, I am disappointed. I have a lot of respect for him. I don’t know what else to say until the club contacts us.
‘We’re all trying to figure out what’s going on. He’s a great coach and I love his coaching style. It’s been a tough year. Everything that could have gone wrong, did.
Brisbane captain Adam Reynolds (pictured) has made a surprise admission following the sacking of Broncos head coach Kevin Walters.
Kevin Walters parted ways with the Broncos on Thursday after four years with the club.
He added: “I’ve tried to reach out to Kev. I feel sorry for him.”
Walters, a Broncos legend, was the third-longest-tenured coach in club history.
He coached 99 NRL games, replacing Anthony Seibold in 2021, before leading the club from bottom of the league to second in the Premiership in 2023.
Earlier on Thursday, Walters issued a statement regarding his departure via the club’s website, writing: ‘Other than playing here, it has been the greatest thrill and honour of my life to have coached the Broncos.
‘Coaching in the NRL takes a toll, not just on the coach but also on his family. It’s time for me to step away and spend some quality time with my loved ones who have supported me over the last four years.
Reynolds (left) said members of the players’ group had been left in the dark about Walters’ (right) dismissal.
Walters (centre), a Broncos legend, coached 99 NRL games with the team, having won five championships with the club as a player.
‘I’m grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity to be head coach and we’ve 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.”