Walters blames injuries for Broncos’ poor NRL 2024 season

After being thrashed by the Melbourne Storm in their final game of the season on Thursday night, Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters has shifted blame for their poor performance in 2024.

Walters was quick to point out how many players they had sidelined for their 50-12 loss at Suncorp Stadium, drawing parallels between that match and the rest of their NRL campaign.

“We had five guys, five of our starters [unavailable],” he said.

“We had four million dollars sitting on the sidelines tonight.

“I’m not sure if anyone realised that.”

Many rugby league bookmakers had the Broncos as pre-season favourites for the 2024 NRL Premiership after they came agonisingly close in last-year’s grand final.

But a raft of disappointing results means that for the third time in four years, the club will not even make it to the post-season.

Walters determined to bring change in 2025

Earlier this week, Brisbane CEO Dave Donaghy dispelled any rumours that Walters might not continue as coach of the Broncos in 2025.

“Kev is the coach and he will remain the coach,” he said.

“It’s been a really disappointing year — everyone inside the club is feeling it and I’m sure our fans are, too.”

Off the back of that sentiment, Walters shared on Thursday night some of what he will be looking to change heading into 2025.

“I just need some time now to fix the place up,” he explained.

“I don’t think it was up to standards.

“That’s what the next two or three days will be about over the weekend and into the review.

“Find out, talk to the players, talk to the other coaches.

“I’ve got some opinions myself, but I’ll just keep my emotions in check just at the moment and we’ll get through the weekend and get our review started on Monday.

“We know we’ve got the talent, and talent comes through with the attack, but it’s the mindset with defence where we need to get a whole lot better, and that’ll be our first port of call.”

The Broncos will finish 12th on the NRL ladder in 2024, regardless of how other results pan out this weekend.

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