Reece Walsh and teammates dragged into 'unfair' Kevin Walters drama as fresh details emerge

The Broncos have been called out for the handling of Kevin Walters' exit after reports claimed the players remained anonymous when giving feedback in the club review before the coach departed. Club legends have come out and defended Walters after the coach was given the axe after a disastrous season in charge of the Broncos.

After making the NRL grand final in 2023, Walters failed to make the top eight in 2024 and finished in 12th. Despite a number of injuries to the likes of Reece Walsh, Payne Haas and Adam Reynolds this season, it marked the third time in four campaigns Walters failed to make the top eight.

And after a review of the season, the Broncos made the sudden call to part ways with Walters. And within days, NSW coach Michael Maguire left his role as Blues coach to sign on a three-year deal with the Broncos.

The move has caused controversy after reporter Danny Weidler claimed the Broncos may have been making moves around Walters' exit close to four weeks before he left. "Since the news came out, there's mail that this decision was made (by the Broncos to split with Walters) four weeks ago, where they started to make proper inquiries and proper conversations," Weidler said on Channel Nine.

"It's a fact Dave Donaghy used to work with Michael Maguire in Melbourne." In his Broncos press conference on Tuesday, Maguire attempted to shut down these claims and said the transition from talks with the club and signing the deal were very quick.

However, Weidler also claimed the players provided their feedback using a QR code to sign in and fill out the information on the internal review. “I got some mail late in the week, is that the way this review was done was players signing in via QR codes and did some sort of review or survey on their devices and that way, it was kept anonymous,” Weidler said on the Big Sports Breakfast.

“I’ve actually confirmed this as I have very good sources on it and I’ve gone to the club on it, messaging their CEO Dave Donaghy alluding to it and I’ve heard nothing back. I’m happy to hear what they say and if it’s not correct, that’s fine, but that’s exactly what I’ve been told and told by very good sources.”

This prompted a strong reaction from talkshow host and former Aussie cricket captain Michael Clarke. After hearing the reports, Clarke blasted the process from the Broncos and felt the odds were against Walters from the beginning.

“There’s no accountability. You can say what you want. That’s not a fair playing field,” Clarke said after the report from Weidler. “That’s wrong Danny. The senior players, the coaches, the board, the CEO. That’s got to be face-to-face. You got to give Kevvie a chance.”

Adam Reynolds stunned at Kevin Walters' exit

According to reports, some of the feedback from players and staff members was harsh of Walters' methods, with criticism revolving around his communication style and a lack of video review each week. However, speaking on Sunday after the news, captain Adam Reynolds moved to dispel these reports and claimed the playing group was stunned to see Walters leave.

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“Like everyone else in the playing group, I certainly didn’t see it coming,” Reynolds told the Courier Mail. “We had no idea. Players weren’t told. I guess things break pretty quick.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t get told as a playing group and most of us found out through the news, but I’ve since spoken to Dave (Donaghy, Broncos CEO) and he addressed the playing group and apologised for it coming out that way. I’ve got a great relationship with Kev. I’m forever thankful for him giving me the opportunity to come up to this club. I loved being coached by him.”