Wendell Sailor's 'concerning' revelation as Broncos consider massive change for Allan Langer
The Brisbane Broncos are in turmoil, and a number of big names are walking away from the NRL club.
Wendell Sailor has expressed his concerns for the future of the Brisbane Broncos in light of the fact club great Allan Langer is considering walking away. News came to light this week that Langer is weighing up where his future lies after the sacking of good mate Kevin Walters.
Langer and Walters won premierships together during their playing days at the Broncos, and have worked together for the last few years. Langer has been a trainer under Walters' leadership since 2020, but is said to be considering walking away from the role after Walters was sacked.
Discussing the situation on Thursday, Broncos legend Sailor said the news about Langer makes him worried. “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.”
Michael Maguire keen for Allan Langer to stay
Speaking this week after being unveiled as the new Broncos coach, Michael Maguire said he was keen to sit down and have a chat with Langer. “I’ve got to talk to Alf,” Maguire said. “I’d really like Alf (to stay).
“I’ve had a fair bit of time with Alf, and I think we all like Alf. So I want to see what he wants to do with himself and work out where he fits in. I’ll definitely have those conversations with Alf for sure.”
Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy said: “We will always value what Alfie has done for the Broncos and we want to keep him here for life. Hopefully he feels the same way.”
Allan Langer set to be offered different role at Broncos
But whether or not he remains in the same role as trainer and assistant coach remains to be seen. According to the Courier Mail, the Broncos are considering offering Langer a move into a corporate role working with the club's sponsors. The reports says Langer is believed to be leaning towards staying at the Broncos, particularly in light of the fact Walters has been offered a new role as a club ambassador.
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On Tuesday, fellow former Bronco Trevor Gillmeister implored the club to do everything to keep Langer. “I have spoken to him a few times and he was dirty with what happened to Kevvie and I agreed with him,’’ Gillmeister told the Courier Mail.
"I really hope he stays but I can understand why he is so upset and it’s his decision. But they are not the Broncos without Alf. I cannot think of anyone at any other club who represents what Alf does at the Broncos.
"Apart from what he does with the team, there’s the marketing stuff that people don’t appreciate. Every time someone sees his face they think of the Broncos. That’s free advertising for the club."
Someone who definitely won't be staying is former captain Darius Boyd, who has quit his role working with the Broncos' outside backs. Boyd had been working two days per week and had taken on a mentorship role with young No.1 Reece Walsh, but has informed the club he won't be returning in 2025.
