LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Brisbane Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy faced scrutiny during a recent Triple M radio interview, where he defended the decision to sack former coach Kevin Walters.
Donaghy, part of the decision-making team that let Walters go after four years at the helm, insisted that it was the right move for the club, especially given the team's performance under new coach Michael Maguire in 2025, which hadn't improved.
Journalist James Hooper questioned Donaghy about this decision, noting the Broncos' struggles compared to the previous year.
He mentioned the team's precarious position outside the top-eight, despite a recent win against Cronulla.
Donaghy acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, stating, "We made an incredibly difficult decision, and that's the reality of it.
Kevvie is a great of the club and he put his heart and soul into the place for four years."
However, club legend Gorden Tallis, who has a long-standing friendship with Walters, interrupted to correct Donaghy.
Tallis highlighted the breadth of Walters' contributions to the organization by stating, "30 years." His comment emphasized that Walters has been with the Broncos since his debut in 1990, extending far beyond his coaching tenure.
Donaghy maintained his stance, responding, "Sorry Gordie, 30 years.
He did four years as the coach and did a wonderful job and was there for a long, long time.
We want to ensure we're acknowledging that and recognising that.
But we did feel it was time for a change and we do feel like it was the right decision."
This exchange underscored the emotional and complex nature of Walters' departure from the club, highlighting the tension between respecting a legend and making necessary changes for the team's future.