Kevin Walters lands new job as details emerge about Darren Lockyer and Shane Webcke clash
The former Brisbane Broncos coach won't be out of work for long.
Former Broncos coach Kevin Walters has made a move back into media after being axed by Brisbane ahead of the 2025 NRL season. The 57-year-old will reportedly be part of the Fox League team for next season, rejoining the network he was a part of prior to his coaching career.
He first started with Fox Sports in 2014, when the Pay TV provider brought him and Scott Prince on board to join Ben Ikin, Gorden Tallis and Gary Belcher as part of their commentary team. And for next year's NRL season, Walters will return to the network to provide expert analysis and commentary alongside the likes of Greg Alexander, Mal Meninga and Michael Ennis, according to the Courier Mail.
In his first stint with the network, Walters was hugely popular as his light-hearted and down-to-earth style resonated with viewers. The 57-year-old is also very in tune with the current state of the NRL and can provide insight into tactics as well as a look inside what goes on at the Broncos, having steered the club to a grand final in 2023.
Darren Lockyer and Shane Webcke's disagreement
The news comes after his sacking was reportedly the topic of some robust discussions between Brisbane premiership winners Darren Lockyer and Shane Webcke recently. The Courier Mail also reports the pair had differing opinions about his sacking that they shared at a sports lunch in Toowoomba last week, where they were guest speakers.
Away from the on-stage jokes and banter, the discussion reportedly turned serious when the axing of Walters was brought up. Webcke quickly blasted the Broncos' hierarchy for the treatment of club legend Walters. His critique of the club, however, didn't go down well with Lockyer, who is a long-time Broncos board member.
The NRL great was one of several people who ultimately decided Walters' time was up at Brisbane. Webcke, Lockyer and Walters all won three premierships together in 1997-98 and 2000. And therefore the decision to dismiss Walters - who was contracted for another two seasons - evoked a degree of anger and dismay from several Broncos Old Boys.
And one guest who attended the event in Toowomba told The Courier Mail that Lockyer and Webcke had differing opinions on whether or not Walters should have been relieved of his post. “There was robust debate, definitely,” one guest said.
“They agreed to disagree. Webcke was critical of the Broncos and the way the sacking of Kevvie went down. He basically said the fallout wasn’t good enough for a club of the Broncos’ standards. He was adamant it should have been handled differently.
“Lockyer was on the back foot a bit. Locky was of the opinion that they had made a board decision and he was only one of the board members. He agreed the way in which it was handled was not up to scratch, but he said ultimately there would be no different decision.
“They stayed around after having drinks. There was no angst between them but it’s fair to say neither of them took a backward step. It was an emotional subject."
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Lockyer has said on multiple occasions he feels axing Walters was a tough call and a right one and the board feels Michael Maguire is the right fit for the club. Speaking at an NRL grand final function for this year's grand final, Lockyer said: "Kevvie is a great bloke and that’s what makes it so difficult."
"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. We feel that Michael Maguire has some traits that will complement what the Broncos need.”
