KEVVIE TO KICK ON WITH BRONCOS
BRONCOS bosses have declared Kevin Walters is the coach to break Brisbane’s 17year premiership drought after securing the club legend to a $1m contract extension.
Walters and the Broncos have agreed terms on a twoyear deal in a huge coup for the Brisbane coach ahead of Saturday night’s clash against the Dragons at Suncorp Stadium.
The parties have been in talks for the past two months and there was a sticking point over Walters’ salary. But that has been resolved and the deal has been sent to the Broncos’ board for final approval before an official announcement, expected next week before the Brisbane-Dolphins derby.
Details of the deal include an extension until the end of 2025; a shorter-term payout to avoid the $1.5m severance package issued to Walters’ predecessor Anthony Seibold; bonuses for making the finals and the top four; and a proposed $1m salary should Walters deliver a premiership. The Broncos haven’t won a title since 2006 – the longest drought in their decorated 35-year history – but chairman Karl Morris says Brisbane’s premiership window under Walters is now wide open.
“Kevin has done a great job – I believe this squad certainly has the potential to win a premiership,” Morris said. “In my time here, I think it’s the best roster we’ve had.”
Champion skipper Adam Reynolds said the influence of Walters – a five-time premiership legend – was a major factor in his decision to quit Souths and join the Broncos.
“I’m pleased for ‘Kevvie’ (getting a new deal),” he said. “He is a good coach and a great mentor and he bleeds what the Broncos are about.
“His passion is one of the reasons I wanted to come here and play for him.
“There is no better man to take this club forward. He is a very passionate person and he wants to get the club back to the top again.”