Brisbane captain Darius Boyd says he’s unaware of any rift between Wayne Bennett and Kevin Walters after a third breakdown in their Broncos coaching union.
Walters quit his role as a Brisbane assistant on Wednesday, citing his need to focus full time on his role as Queensland State of Origin mentor.
Walters, though, had reportedly been frustrated that 68-year-old Bennett had been reluctant to accept new methods before resigning.
Bennett sacked his long-time understudy as assistant coach in 2005 before Walters returned to Red Hill in 2015 to help guide the Broncos to the 2015 NRL grand final.
Bennett again banned Walters from the Broncos role when he took over Mal Meninga as Queensland’s head coach in 2016 before bringing the 50-year-old club legend back in from the cold this season.
Boyd said while he was sad to see Walters go, he didn’t believe the Maroons mentor had fallen out with the six-time premiership-winning coach.
“Not that I know of. I don’t think so,” Boyd told League Life on Fox Sports on Wednesday night.
“It’s very disappointing. I know how much Kevvie loves being a part of the club and the Broncos has a special place in his heart.
“But obviously he did say that Queensland was a big focus, which it is, and the hype around it and the media and the commitments that come with, that is obviously a lot and it’s already started.
“It’s Round 4 and he’s already doing his work and he’s got his Queensland hat on so I respect his decision.”
The Broncos confirmed Walters’ exit on their website earlier on Wednesday.
Questions around how Walters would balance the two jobs have lingered since he headed back for his third Broncos coaching stint under Bennett in October last year.
But the move was seen as a sign Walters could take the top job at the Broncos when Bennett decides to step down for a second time.
Bennett will be 69 when he comes out of contract at the end of the 2019 season.
Walters said the decision was based on putting as much time and effort into his job with Queensland as possible.
The club said Walters met Broncos chief executive Paul White and Bennett on Wednesday to advise them of his decision.
“I felt that my direct link to the Broncos may influence the perception of my impartiality and as result of these factors I have made the decision to step away from the club to focus solely on the State of Origin campaign,” Walters said in a statement.
“The level of interest at the (State of Origin) media conference reinforced how privileged I am to be coach of a Maroons team which means so much to the people of Queensland.
“It also reinforced Origin’s immense standing in the game and the importance of having a clear-minded approach to all aspects of the team’s preparations.”
Bennett said he knew how much work it took to be a successful Origin coach “and I can understand why Kevin has come to this decision”.
“It takes a huge commitment to coach Queensland and while we have really valued Kevin’s input this year as an assistant coach, we wish him all the best,” Bennett said.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
NSW look likely to be their most competitive in a long time, given the number of retirements and changes Queensland are going through. So Walters needs to be seen to be fully focused on his QLD role,, because the media and public condemnation that will come with a series loss will be intense.
thomas c
Guest
The broncos are playing horribly. He wouldn't be able to pick a single one of them on form, which would get pretty awkward. The other queensland heavy teams aren't doing great, suggesting trouble for QLD. Fixing one team is a tolerable challenge. Fixing two is too much. You don't need a complex explanation. However, in reference to coaching the broncs down the track, Walters isn't going to help himself long term by appearing fickle.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Bennett could light Suncorp Stadium and the Milton Brewery on fire on live TV at prime time with the ghosts of Hitler, Bin Laden, and Stalin at his side while wearing a shirt that said something very mean about homosexuals and the worst he’d get would be having to apologise to the media.
Albo
Guest
Not so sure about that Paul ? Seems Paul Green is rumoured to be talking to the Broncos, and he has so far refused to sign an offered new multi million dollar 3 year deal with the Cowboys ?
Nat
Roar Guru
Any other coach at any other club or time I would agree with you but he has commanded more respect at that club, stemming from winning % and culture that he instilled there.
Emcie
Roar Guru
The broncos have finished top 3 twice in the last 3 seasons, why would Bennett be on the outer?
Joe
Roar Rookie
I always thought it was a mistake for Walters to be assistant coach at the Broncos being the Queensland Coach. They'd moved away from the dual coaching roles for a reason.
Paul
Guest
I reckon they need to at least make the 8 Nat. The Broncos are so used to at least making the finals, Bennett should be looking over his shoulder if they don't.
Nat
Roar Guru
You believe Brisbane will sack Bennett with one year to go? Irrespective of the result this year, he has earned enough respect at the club to see out his contract next year.
Paul
Roar Guru
It's seems pretty clear Walters will be the next Broncos coach and Bennett can see the writing on the wall. The only problem is, he doesn't want to go, but Walters is probably a better option, long term. Wayne needs to have an exceptional next 22 rounds or K Walters will be the coach in Brisbane next year.