Footy legend Darren Lockyer reveals why Kevin Walters was REALLY sacked as Broncos coach in shock decision
- Darren Lockyer is a board member of the Broncos club
- Walters was cut out of the blue last month
Broncos legend Darren Lockyer has revealed the real reason why Kevin Walters was sacked as head coach last month, 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 that included 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 Corp.
‘It’s not nice at all when you have to move a legend of the game.
‘He was also five minutes away from winning the grand final last year, without Nathan Cleary.
‘At the end of the year the team dropped off significantly. The call was made based on the playing talent at the Broncos, which is plentiful.’
Lockyer also pointed to Michael Maguire’s winning mentality as the reason he was offered a three-year contract at Red Hill.
Broncos legend and board member Darren Lockyer (pictured) has spoken out about the decision to fire his former teammate Kevin Walters as coach
Lockyer said it was ‘not acceptable’ to finish 12th this season with a squad that included Reece Walsh, Ezra Mam, Pat Carrigan and Payne Haas (pictured)
Walters’ replacement Michael Maguire (pictured as coach of this year’s NSW State of Origin side) has stated that he is a ‘career coach who loves the day-to-day stuff’
Over the past 12 months, ‘Madge’ 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 it is hoped he can better manage Brisbane’s star system.
“We believe Michael Maguire has a number of attributes that complement what the Broncos need,” Lockyer added.
Walters was left devastated by his sudden dismissal.
“Besides playing here, coaching the Broncos has been the greatest thrill and honor of my life,” 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 am grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity to become head coach and we have come a long way from the wooden spoon to last year’s run and 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 be watching his every move closely – declaring he is ‘extremely hungry to win another game’ after his appointment.
‘I am a career coach. I like the everyday things,” the 50-year-old said.
‘My last campaign in Origin. It was an incredible, wonderful experience. But I am someone who loves day to day.
“I missed having a staff. I missed having players around me every day.’