Kevin Walters has signed a new long-term contract which will keep him in charge of Brisbane until at least the end of the 2026 campaign.
The Broncos handed Walters an extension only last season which would have taken him through until next year, however their return to being an NRL powerhouse has resulted in the club legend being rewarded with an upgraded and extended contract.
Why the Brisbane Broncos have handed Kevin Walters a new contract
Walters took over at Red Hill at arguably the lowest point in the club’s history after Anthony Seibold’s short reign had ended in the Broncos receiving their first ever wooden spoon in 2020.
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Walters was a popular choice amongst the disillusioned old boys to reinvent the struggling club as his storied past with them played into his desire to return them back to the top of the ladder.
It wasn't plain sailing though as the 56-year-old presided over a 14th place finish in 2021, before signs of a revival were clearly visible in the following year when they were placed inside the top eight only to suffer a horrific collapse and finish in ninth.
Despite question marks around his long-term suitability at Red Hill, the club showed their faith in him and were almost rewarded in 2023 with the biggest prize of all.
Walters’ exciting young side surged all the way to the decider for the first time in eight years where they ultimately suffered a heartbreaking loss to Penrith.
The loss has left the Broncos still desperately searching for their first premiership since 2006 when Wayne Bennett guided them to the pinnacle of the game.
With his new deal though, Walters will try to end this 18-year title drought while becoming Brisbane’s second longest-serving coach in history behind the legendary master coach in the process.
“It’s no secret how much I love the Broncos and being able to coach this group for even one game rates as an absolute honour for me," Walters said.
"To extend my time as coach for a third time is testament to the hard work of all the players and coaches and staff who work as part of our football department.
"We have had some success but we are hungry for much more and I believe that we have all bought into building something special here together at the Broncos."
Brisbane have endured a tough start to the campaign so far, losing two of their first three matches with injuries to star men Reece Walsh, Adam Reynolds and Payne Haas throwing a spanner in the works.
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Yet Walters has already shown in the past that he is capable of picking the side up off the canvas and facilitating their return as one of the true glamour clubs of the competition.
"This is the third time that we have extended Kev’s tenure as head coach and that’s reflective of the job he is doing in leading positive change across our football program," Brisbane's CEO CEO Dave Donaghy said.
"This contract extension extends the runway for Kev and his team, giving us continuity and certainty to keep adding to the building blocks that the club has put in place under his stewardship."
The coach's extension is just the latest piece of the puzzle in establishing stability within the walls of Red Hill.
Patrick Carrigan, Ezra Mam and Haas have all been tied down on long-term deals, while Reynolds also inked an extension to remain the conductor of Brisbane’s dangerous attack.
Walsh is still locked in discussions with the Broncos for a deal which would reportedly make him the highest earner in the club's history.
