Kevin Walters' telling comments about Allan Langer amid sad situation at Brisbane Broncos
The former Broncos' coach backed club icon Allan Langer earlier this year.
Kevin Walters' departure from the Broncos has caused a stir within the ranks as his close bond with former teammate and club icon Allan Langer continues to prompt speculation of a sad exit. Walters and Langer go way back in Broncos colours having won four premierships together in the 1990s during their playing days.
Both are proud Queenslanders who have represented the Broncos jersey with pride throughout their careers. The duo also worked together at the NRL club since 2020 when Walters took over as head coach. Langer has remained as a trainer at the club for years having become a prominent figure on the field in back play.
Unfortunately, results didn't go the way Walters had planned in three of the four seasons in charge. This prompted the Broncos board to make a sudden call and sack Walters at the end of 2024 season. And his sudden departure, which took captain Adam Reynolds and other players by surprise, has speculation running wild Langer is considering walking away from the role under new coach Michael Maguire.
Plenty of the Broncos' old guard have come out and defended Walters and bemoaned how he was treated in his final days. Gorden Tallis has already knocked back the suggestion he would take a call from Maguire if he reached out. Langer appears to be one club figure who also feels things didn't go down correctly. And it is no surprise considering his close bond with his former teammate.
Kevin Walters' telling comments about legendary Allan Langer
Earlier this year, Walters epitomised how highly he regards Langer by endorsing him to become the next NRL Immortal. "It is pretty clear in my head that Allan Langer is very much underrated as far as elite players go and Immortal players," Walters said.
"There is nothing he didn't do on the field; for the Broncos, captaining the club to four premierships, captaining Queensland to series wins, or for Australia. They have got a statue of him. All they have got to do now is make him Immortal.”
Plenty of people were backing Cameron Smith to be next selected. But Ron Coote received the honour, which was warmly received among the NRL community. However, Walters' endorsement of the Broncos legend goes some way in highlighting their bond off the field.
The duo also own a racehorse together. The do are part-owners in a horse named 'Six More Songs' and the filly is named after Langer's famous request to the musician after the Maroons won a State of Origin series.
And Langer's loyalty to Walters has some former Broncos players concerned the club icon could opt to walk away from his role. This would leave a huge hole at the club, leaving Maguire rallying to get the old boys behind him.
Wendell Sailor concerned over Allan Langer speculation
Former Broncos winger Wendell Sailor admitted he would be stunned if Langer opted to walk away from the trainer role with fans becoming accustomed to the former halfback barking orders at the players on the field. Discussing the situation last week, Sailor said Langer's reported frustration is a 'concern' for the club.
“I understand what the Broncos have done, but am I disappointed for Kevvie? 100% I’m disappointed for Kevvie," he said on SEN Radio. “When Alfie Langer, probably the greatest Bronco player of all time, says he is thinking about leaving the club, that concerns me. The Broncos will always be my club, and I’ll always walk through those doors because of what they’ve done for me and my family. It is not just a player’s club, it’s the fans. It’s a club for everybody.”
Allan Langer 'shattered' for friend Kevin Walters
Veteran reporter Robbert Craddock first reported Langer was 'shattered' having seen Walters axed from the head coach role with two years left on his contract. Walters had led the Broncos to the NRL grand final in 2023, but failed to make the top eight in three of the four years in charge. In 2024, the Broncos finished 12th.
"He is considering if he can get over the Walters situation," Craddock told SEN Radio. "Allan Langer and Kevin Walters have basically been joined at the hip for 40 years. Allan is a very loyal person and he was shocked and grieving deeply about the exit of Kev.
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"I spoke to Allan the other day and what he did confirm is you can say that yeah I am contemplating my future over the next few weeks. And he has a right to be shattered so the question now is can Allan Langer lift himself out of this and be the person he wants to be for the Broncos or does he walk away... He is the soul of the club. He’s the little guy that captained them to four premierships. You couldn’t believe it then and you can’t believe it now. They love him, they really love him and they’d miss him (at the Broncos)."
