Adam Reynolds responds after Reece Walsh caught in ugly claims around Kevin Walters' exit
The former Broncos coach reportedly copped some scathing criticism from the playing group.
Broncos captain Adam Reynolds has denied suggestions the playing group had anything to do with Kevin Walters' departure as coach, with questions emerging about how much influence Reece Walsh has at the club. The Broncos announced last week that Walters would depart after four seasons in charge, in which the team missed the finals on three occasions.
The club commissioned an independent review into the football department after the Broncos fell from grand finalists in 2023 to finisning 12th on the ladder this year, and the findings didn't paint Walters in a good light. According to reports, some of the feedback from players and staff members was scathing of Walters, with criticism revolving around his communication style and a lack of video review each week.
But speaking on Sunday, captain Reynolds shot down any suggestion the players were behind Walters' exit. “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.”
Whether or not the whole squad enjoyed being coached by Walters remains to be seen. Selwyn Cobbo made infamous comments two years ago that Walters "wasn't a good coach", but he later apologised and claimed he was joking.
It might simply be a coincidence, but Cobbo is off contract after 2025 and free to negotiate with rival clubs as of November 1 this year. The Broncos are keen to keep representative outside-back Cobbo, and a coaching change might what gets him to re-sign.
How much say does Reece Walsh have at Broncos?
Some have also questioned how much sway Walsh has at the Broncos, and whether the timing of the news about his new $5 million contract is also a coincidence. News broke just last week that Walsh had agreed to remain at the Broncos for a further four seasons, but nothing has been made official and he hasn't put pen to paper just yet.
Whether or not he's been waiting to see who the coach will be for next year has been a talking point on social media, although it's been reported that Walsh and Walters had a good relationship. There's also been speculation that Walters let Walsh get away with too much, and the Courier Mail previously cited an example of the 22-year-old being allowed to go shirtless while warming up on the field before a game this year.
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Kevin Walters' furious reaction to results of review
At the end of the day, it looks like the independent review proved to be the death knell for Walters. The Courier Mail quoted an 'insider' as saying the findings were "horrendous" for the coach, and he reportedly blew up at the rest of his staff when he was told.
Meanwhile, the Broncos have reportedly met with Michael Maguire about taking over as head coach, and the playing group has been informed he's the top target. It would mean Maguire would have to step down as NSW State of Origin coach after just one year in charge.
