Allan Langer in sad new development after Kevin Walters' departure as Brisbane Broncos coach
Langer and Walters are great mates and have worked together for years at NRL and State of Origin level.
Broncos legend Allan Langer is reportedly considering his future at the club after Kevin Walters' sacking as coach. Langer and Walters are great mates and have worked together over the last four seasons at the Broncos.
But Walters' departure has rocked Langer, and according to the Courier Mail the Queensland icon has admitted he's weighing up his future at the club. Langer played 240 games for the Broncos and won multiple premierships alongside Walters during their careers.
Langer has worked as an assistant coach and trainer under Walters since he took over the head coaching role in 2020, and previously worked with him when Walters was Queensland State of Origin boss. Langer is reportedly overseas with his family at the moment, but is said to be considering where his future lies.
Michael Maguire is the front-runner to take over from Walters in 2025, and he'd be a brave man to send Langer packing. It's common for new coaches to bring their own staff with them when they arrive at clubs, and the previous assistants are often sent packing.
Trent Barrett and Ben Te'o have already been appointed assistants for 2025, but it remains to be seen whether Maguire is keen to keep Langer on. Maguire is facing a tricky decision in that regard, as parting ways with Langer would almost anger the entire state of Queensland and the Broncos' old boys.
Anthony Seibold previously stated that Langer and fellow Broncos legend Darren Lockyer were untouchable during his time as Brisbane coach, such is their standing in Queensland. And the fact Maguire is from NSW and coached the Blues to victory this year makes it even harder.
Broncos legends opposed to Michael Maguire's appointment
Shane Webcke has already gone on record as saying he doesn't want a New South Welshman coaching the Broncos, although fellow Broncos great Corey Parker described that suggestion as "rubbish". Parker said last week: “If you’re the best man for the job, you’re the best man for the job. There’s been some ex-players that have said you can’t have a NSW coach coaching the Broncos, but a number of years ago, they were headhunting Craig Bellamy, and he’s done both.”
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Walters' departure has already angered Broncos legend Gorden Tallis, and parting ways with Langer would only make matters worse in the Brisbane old boys' fraternity. "I wouldn't have made the decision, I would have given him the chance to see where the club was at. It's a little bit premature," Tallis said on Sunday.
"I've rang some real powerful guys in our game to talk about reviews … they say it's a coward's way out because the CEO and chairman don't want to make the decision. Something needs to change at the organisation."
Tallis is also against bringing in Maguire, pointing to his record at Souths and the Wests Tigers (even though he won a premiership with the Rabbitohs). "Do a review on him at Souths and Tigers, then you'd have your answer," he said.
"This is one thing that I do know - coaching NSW against Queensland without Tino (Fa'asuamaleaui), (Tom) Flegler, (Tom) Gilbert and (Cameron) Munster - they are two different coaches. A rep coach is not a club coach … it's a massive difference. The best candidate has been sacked by his last two clubs."
