Billy Walters, a standout for the Broncos, has opened up about how he found out that his father was fired as Brisbane’s coach and about his future with the team.
Following a club-wide investigation of the team’s startling collapse in the 2024 season, in which they finished in 12th place, the Broncos cut their relations with their coach last month.
The club cancelled Walters’ contract, which was set to expire in 2026, and he was issued his marching instructions.
Billy Walters claims he was shocked and devastated by the news.
Billy told News Corp, “My younger brother, who lives with dad, messaged me while I was at home preparing dinner and said that Kev had gone in for a meeting and he might be gone.”
At first, I didn’t think it was true. It shouldn’t have happened that way, in my opinion.
I believed that my brother was exaggerating, and that my father might receive a severe warning rather than be fired. My mind was racing with ideas when I finally received word.
What did he intend to do? How was I going to respond?
Hooker Billy Walters (pictured) says he couldn’t believe the news that his dad had been axed
Kevin Walters was sacked by the Brisbane Broncos following a poor 2024 season
‘You’re obviously emotional.
‘I tried to call him and see if he was all right but he didn’t answer. I didn’t get to speak to him until the next day.’
Walters admitted that the 2024 NRL season was one to forget – but it wasn’t fair that his dad got the full blame.
‘It will always sound biased because I am his son but I don’t think Kevvie was the reason for that,’ Walters said.
‘The year we made the grand final we had 95 per cent of our squad have their best year and we had a great run with injuries. Even little things like 50/50 calls went our way.
Walters says he is keen to perform for new coach Michael Maguire in 2025
‘This year we lost a lot of experienced players. It’s sad to think how far we fell considering we were three or four minutes away from beating the best team in the NRL era in a grand final.’
Walters says he is keen to impress new coach Michael Maguire – especially since he has been targeted by trolls on social media.
‘I’ve received a lot of messages and comments through social media about people telling me to enjoy Super League or Queensland Cup,’ he said.
‘I’m keen to get there and prove the haters wrong that I wasn’t wearing the No.9 because my dad was the coach.
‘I was wearing it because I’m the best No.9 at the club.’
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