NRL grand final: ‘Bleeds for Broncos’: how the game’s richest club came back
After being passed over in 2017, Walters was appointed at the end of the 2020 season, when the club finished last.
“The Broncos have been such a powerful brand for so long, people were never going to get used to them being wooden spooners,” Beattie says.
“It’s almost like a return to the old team, the old magic.”
Walters lost his wife, Kim, to breast cancer in 1998, and brought up their three boys solo while helping establish a cancer support charity. He coached the Queensland State of Origin team from 2016 to 2019 with mixed success.
“He has delivered,” Beattie says.
“But you can also see the emotional journey the fans have gone on with him; he’s someone from the historic Broncos success days who has come back – did it tough, got kicked around, underdog – all that sort of stuff, which Australians love.
“And now he’s succeeding – and his son’s in there with him too.”
Morris remembers 2020 well; it was his first year as chairman.
“When you go to the bottom there’s hopefully only one way to go – and you don’t want to be stuck there for long.”
Certainly, not the “Broncs”. They are the richest club in the NRL, have the biggest average home crowd, and their No.1 ticket holder is Lachlan Murdoch.
Morris says Walters was the first of three hires who were instrumental in turning things around at Brisbane – and helping the city fall back in the love with the team.
“Bringing back Kevin Walters has been a huge success.
“He lives and breathes the Broncos. He bleeds the Broncos. Everyone can see that, and I think it makes a big difference.”
The second key appointment was Dave Donaghy as chief executive in March 2021. Donaghy had been CEO of the Melbourne Storm since 2015, but was a Queenslander. “He wanted to come home,” Morris says. “And he certainly understands what happens in finals.”
The third was halfback Adam Reynolds, who left the South Sydney Rabbitohs after playing in a losing grand final against Penrith in 2021.
“Look at the influence of just one recruit,” Morris says. “He’s come in and become our captain, and he’s a great leader.”
In 2021, the Broncos finished 14th. They again missed the finals in last year, after fading late to finish ninth. It has all gelled this year, with the club jousting with Penrith for the top spot for most of the season.
The Panthers are favoured to become the first team in the NRL era (post 1998) to win three consecutive titles, but Morris says the Broncos are hopeful.
“For the fans and supporters in particular, this is what it’s all about – winning grand finals.”
