Kevvie’s windfall for finals mission
BRISBANE coach Kevin Walters has clinched a $50,000 performance bonus for leading the Broncos back to the finals and more financial gold awaits if he delivers a top-four finish.
Brisbane’s rise from wooden spooners to title contenders has activated financial bonuses in Walters’ contract as he prepares for Saturday night’s clash against Wests Tigers at Suncorp Stadium.
Walters was handed a 12month contract extension in March that had a slew of clauses inserted to trigger fiscal rewards for Brisbane hitting key performance indicators.
It is understood Walters stood to jag an extra $50,000 if he could steer the Broncos to the playoffs – and last week’s 36-14 belting of the Eels sealed Brisbane’s first finals campaign in three seasons.
Now Walters is on the cusp of a fresh financial bonanza.
An additional $25,000 sweetener looms if Walters can maintain Brisbane’s place in the top four in the run to the finals, further incentive for the Broncos to dispose of the Tigers in their round 20 clash.
It is understood Walters’ base salary this season is about $400,000, making him one of the lowest-paid coaches in the NRL, but the club legend is getting sweet rewards for Brisbane’s rapid rejuvenation.
Broncos chairman Karl Morris said Walters deserved every accolade for hauling
Brisbane out of wooden-spoon mediocrity to play finals football in the space of 24 months.
“Kevvie has certainly brought the vibe back,” Morris said. “Kevvie wanted everyone to get on the bus with him to enjoy winning again and he’s certainly done that.
“One of the big things about success is consistency and that’s what we’re seeing. It’s a credit to Kevvie.”
Brisbane is predicted to finish the NRL regular season with at least 16 victories.
That would surpass the regular-season record of Brisbane’s most recent premiership-winning team, who chalked up 14 wins in their surge to the 2006 title.
Walters says he will not be truly satisfied until the Broncos claim the holy grail for a seventh time.
“We have done some really good things at the Broncos this season but I’ve made it clear we’ve done nothing and won nothing yet,” he said.
“We are winning games at the Broncos but to be honest, that’s to be expected as a Broncos person in my view.”