The Brisbane Broncos are facing mounting pressure following another season of underwhelming performances, despite having a roster brimming with talent. With coach Kevin Walters under scrutiny for the team’s inconsistent results and failure to push into premiership contention, speculation is swirling about whether the Broncos will make a change at the top. As the club looks for stability and a return to glory, we take a closer look at three potential managerial candidates who could replace Walters should the Broncos decide to go in a new direction.
1. Adam Reynolds (Brisbane Broncos – Player)
While Adam Reynolds is still playing for the Broncos, his leadership and experience have made him a natural candidate for a future coaching role. The 2021 NRL Premiership-winning halfback has brought invaluable composure and tactical awareness to the club, and his role as a leader on and off the field has earned him respect from players and fans alike.
Why Reynolds? Reynolds’ experience as a player with high-pressure decision-making and his relationship with many key Broncos players could make him a strong candidate for the head coach role once his playing career concludes. While this might be a move for the future rather than an immediate replacement, there’s no doubt that Reynolds has the footballing acumen to turn the club’s fortunes around.
Potential Outcome: Should the Broncos decide to transition from Walters, Reynolds could seamlessly take over, offering both continuity and fresh energy, with his leadership qualities and deep understanding of the Broncos’ systems.
2. Michael Maguire (Former Wests Tigers & South Sydney Rabbitohs Coach)
Michael Maguire is a seasoned coach with a track record of success, having won an NRL Premiership with the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2014 and having guided the Wests Tigers through a tough rebuilding phase. Maguire’s no-nonsense approach and ability to build strong, disciplined teams are exactly what Brisbane might need to break free from their current struggles.
Why Maguire? Maguire has the experience of dealing with high-profile clubs and knows how to handle the pressure that comes with coaching a team like the Broncos. His experience working with young players, as well as his proven ability to turn underperforming teams into competitive units, makes him an ideal candidate. His emphasis on structure and defense could help the Broncos fix their ongoing defensive issues, an area where Walters has often been criticized.
Potential Outcome: If Walters departs, Maguire could be the experienced head the Broncos need to instill discipline and accountability, while also restoring the club’s competitive edge.
3. Craig Bellamy (Melbourne Storm Head Coach)
Though Craig Bellamy is still actively coaching the Melbourne Storm and has built a remarkable legacy there, his name continues to be linked with other clubs in need of an elite-level coach. Bellamy is known for his tactical brilliance, leadership, and for developing young talent into stars.
Why Bellamy? Bellamy has coached the Storm to multiple NRL Premierships and has a reputation for turning teams into consistent contenders. If the Broncos were looking to make a bold move to reinvigorate their squad and push for a premiership, Bellamy’s vast experience and track record of success could be just what they need. While it seems unlikely he’d leave Melbourne, if the right offer came along, Bellamy could bring a level of professionalism and structure that the Broncos are currently missing.
Potential Outcome: Bellamy would likely be a game-changing appointment for the Broncos, providing the stability and winning culture that has been lacking under Walters. However, this would depend on Bellamy’s willingness to leave Melbourne, where he’s built a dynasty.
Brisbane Broncos’ Struggles Continue
The Brisbane Broncos are at a crossroads after another season of inconsistency. Under Kevin Walters, the club has failed to achieve sustained success, despite boasting a squad filled with stars such as Payne Haas, Adam Reynolds, and Herbie Farnworth. The team has often shown flashes of brilliance but has been unable to string together a title-winning campaign.
While Walters’ leadership has helped guide the team through a rebuilding phase, questions remain about his ability to take the Broncos to the next level. The club has been unable to capitalize on their roster’s potential, with defensive frailties and a lack of tactical sharpness often undermining their season.
Should Walters Stay or Go?
With the Broncos underperforming yet again, the club is facing serious questions about the future of their coaching staff. Kevin Walters, while still beloved by many for his past success as a player and his efforts in rejuvenating the team, might soon find himself under increased pressure to deliver more consistent results.
As Adam Reynolds nears the end of his playing career, the possibility of him stepping into the head coaching role is becoming a more intriguing option. However, should the Broncos decide they need a more experienced hand at the helm, Michael Maguire and Craig Bellamy are among the names being speculated as potential replacements.
The decision about Walters’ future could come sooner than expected if the Broncos fail to improve in the 2025 season, and any one of these experienced coaches could be the spark that reignites the club’s quest for an NRL premiership.
The Road Ahead for the Broncos
The coming months will be crucial for the Brisbane Broncos. The club must address its issues, both in terms of coaching and performance, if they are to return to the glory days that fans expect. Whether Kevin Walters stays on as coach or the Broncos opt for a fresh direction, one thing is clear: the team cannot afford another season of stagnation.
