Darren Lockyer goes public with real reason Kevin Walters was sacked by Brisbane Broncos

Darren Lockyer has broken his silence on Kevin Walters’ departure as Brisbane Broncos coach, opening up on the reasons why the club decided to part ways with him. Walters made the NRL grand final in 2023, but failed to make the playoffs in the other three seasons he was in charge.

The club conducted an independent review into the football department at the end of the 2024 season, and it was quickly decided that a change of coach was needed. In announcing the news, the Broncos claimed the decision was mutual and Walters revealed the toll the job had taken on his family.

Lockyer is a Broncos legend and current board member, and was part of the executive who ratified the decision to let him go. Speaking to the Courier Mail on Wednesday night, the Queensland legend lifted the lid on why the club decided it was time for Walters to depart.

Lockyer revealed the club’s hierarchy were “alarmed” at how far they had fallen in 12 months, plummeting to 12th on the ladder in 2024 after making the grand final last year. The club felt it was “not acceptable” to miss the finals so badly considering their star-studded roster with the likes of Reece Walsh, Payne Haas, Ezra Mam, Patrick Carrigan, Selwyn Cobbo and Kotoni Staggs.

“’Kevvie’ is a great bloke and that’s what makes it so difficult,” Lockyer said. “It’s not pleasant at all when you have to move on a legend of the game. He was also five minutes away from winning the grand final last year if it wasn’t for Nathan Cleary.

“This year at the back end of the year the team fell away significantly. The call was made based on the playing talent that is there at the Broncos, which there is plenty of.”

Lockyer said the Broncos board were impressed by new coach Michael Maguire’s feats in the last 12 months, which include leading New Zealand to glory in the Pacific Championships, and winning the State of Origin series with NSW. “We feel that Michael Maguire has some traits that will complement what the Broncos need,” Lockyer added.

Kevin Walters’ sad family admission amid Broncos departure

Speaking at the time of his departure, Walters suggested it was equally his decision to leave. “Aside from playing here, it’s been the greatest thrill and honour of my life to have coached the Broncos,” he said. “Coaching in the NRL takes a toll, not just on the coach but also their family.

“It’s time for me to step away and spend some quality time with my loved ones, who have supported me all the way over the last four years. I’m grateful to the club for providing me with the opportunity to be head coach, and we have come a long way from the wooden spoon to last year’s run to the grand final. I wish the team and the club all the best.”

In August it came to light that son Billy Walters (Broncos hooker) quit a role with Triple M radio due to comments made about Kevin and the playing group. Kevin’s wife Narelle was left fuming at the situation and personally rang Margaux Parker – a host of the Triple M breakfast show in Brisbane and wife of Broncos legend Corey Parker – to express her disappointment.