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No regrets for Walters despite Bronco woes

3 minute read

Brisbane coach Kevin Walters has denied underestimating the challenge of rebuilding the Broncos despite their NRL struggles in 2021.

Coach KEVIN WALTERS
Coach KEVIN WALTERS Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Brisbane coach Kevin Walters has lost no love for the club despite the increasing realisation of the challenge he faces restoring the Broncos to their former glories.

Having waited years to land an NRL head coaching role, Walters was in dreamland when he was appointed in September as the new man in charge of a club where he'd won five premierships during his playing career.

The reality of the role has however become brutally apparent over a difficult first half to 2021 which has resulted in just three wins, 11 losses and a competition-worst 436 points conceded.

On the eve of Thursday's match-up against a free-scoring South Sydney team coached by his former Broncos mentor Wayne Bennett, Walters was adamant he had no regrets about taking on the position.

"Not at all," he said.

"From all the people that I've spoken to, from Wayne Bennett to Craig Bellamy, two of the great coaches that understand how it's not always smooth sailing for those guys as well.

"There's going to be tough times in everyone's career and at the moment we're doing it a little bit difficult but still love the job, love the place, love coming in and working with our players trying to get them better each week.

"That's how I see it."

Walters says he's not yet begun full preparations for next year but with almost half of the 19-man squad named to take on the Rabbitohs off-contract at season's end, it's inevitable there'll be some new faces getting their chance before the season is done.

"We have some guys here that I want to see play first grade before the year is out," Walters said.

"They will get those opportunities provided that they're doing everything they can at Intrust Super level."

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