Reece Walsh's $5m contract thrown into doubt after Kevin Walters' departure as Broncos coach

Questions are being asked about what Kevin Walters' departure as Brisbane Broncos coach means for Reece Walsh's contract extension, with the young fullback yet to put pen to paper. The Broncos dropped a bombshell on Thursday night when they announced Walters had 'stepped down' as coach, and CEO Dave Donaghy claimed on Friday it was a mutual decision.

The club had commissioned an independent review after the Broncos suffered an extraordinary fall from grace in 2024, finishing 12th and missing the finals just 12 months after making the grand final. According to reports, the review wasn't particularly glowing of Walters or some of the standards that had crept in at the club.

The Broncos then moved swiftly and announced Walters would be leaving with immediate effect on Thursday night, despite the fact he had two years remaining on his contract. It's believed the club already has a replacement lined up, although questions have emerged about what it means for Walsh and his $5 million extension.

Reports emerged last week that Walsh had agreed in principle to remain at the club on a new four-year deal worth $5 million. But the deal is yet to be confirmed by the club and it's believed Walsh hasn't put pen to paper just yet.

What does Kevin Walters' exit mean for Reece Walsh's contract?

In light of Walters' departure, many have questioned what it means for Walsh and his future. Former NRL players Mat Rogers and Scott Sattler both mentioned it on SEN radio on Thursday night, and put it to leading journalist Peter Badel of the Courier Mail in Brisbane.

But Badel said he believed Walters' departure won't affect Walsh's new deal, even though Walsh and Walters had a good relationship. "I think they would be separate things," Badel said in regards to the contract and coaching situation. "I don't think this Kevvie decision would have implications for his deal.

"From what I've been told, Reece is a fan of Kevvie and enjoys being coached by him. I think his contract would be pretty water tight and you'll find that Reece will move forward and be at the Broncos next year." Nevertheless, the situation with Walsh was a big talking point on social media on Thursday night after the Walters news broke.

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Reece Walsh had good relationship with Kevin Walters

Reports first emerged before the NRL season that Walsh had agreed to stay at the Broncos, but it remains a mystery as to why he hasn't signed on the dotted line just yet. The new coach and Brisbane hierarchy will need to have Walsh's future secured before November 1, otherwise he's free to negotiate with rival clubs for the 2026 season.

Walters was in charge when the Broncos got Walsh back from the New Zealand Warriors, although he previously expressed his regret at losing the star fullback to another club in the first place. Whoever becomes the next Broncos coach will have the task of getting Walsh back to his best after the 22-year-old suffered a disappointing season in 2024 - mainly due to injuries but with a dip in form mixed in.

Walters' departure comes after CEO Dave Donaghy had guaranteed his future as coach earlier this month, but that was before the independent review. "We owe a debt of gratitude to Kevin, for the enormous role he's played as head coach over the past four years," Donaghy said in a statement on Thursday night.

"Kevin put his heart and soul into the club during his time as coach. He is one of the most passionate people you will ever meet when it comes to the Broncos, and that helped lift us out of a really difficult time. While we will miss Kev and his infectious personality on a daily basis, we certainly don't want one of the Broncos' favourite sons not to stay involved with our great club."