The Broncos have rewarded coach Kevin Walters for Brisbane’s superb start to the 2023 season with a two year contract extension through until 2025.
The Courier Mail’s Peter Badel reported the two-year extension was worth $1.7 million and the deal reportedly includes a bonus for bringing the trophy back to Red Hill.
His salary can go as high as $1 million a season if the club wins a premiership.
Watch every game of every round of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Walters is in his third year as Broncos coach with 25 wins and 28 losses for a win percentage of 47.17, but is yet to return the club to the finals.
However, their impressive start to 2023 on the back of making the top four by Round 19 before a late season fade out last year was enough to convince the club to reinvest in his services.
Parker: How the Broncos revived | 01:27
“The Brisbane Broncos have extended the contract of Head Coach Kevin Walters to the end of 2025,” the Broncos said in a statement.
Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy said the two-year extension was well-deserved reward for Walters’ progression of the football program since taking on the role at the end of the 2020 season.
Walters, a five-time Premiership winner with the Broncos and former Captain, was announced as coach at a difficult time for the club and has overseen continued improvement both on and off the field in his time as coach.
“Kev is doing a fantastic job, as too are his staff and the entire playing group,” Donaghy said.
“This contract extension for Kev is recognition that he has the football program on the right path.
“Whilst the season is still only young, our team’s performances over the opening rounds is testament to the way Kev and the whole program have stepped up over the pre-season to work hard and progress together.
MORE NRL NEWS
‘DOUEIHI’S IN THE LINE’: Mic’d up Carrigan’s genius revealed to give Broncos edge
COMEBACK: Ponga’s timeline for Knights return after approval from specialists
BRONCOS REBUILD: Brutal calls and Kevvie rebuild that revitalised NRL basket case
‘REGRETFUL’: Tigers release redesigned ANZAC jersey after widespread backlash
“Kev is incredibly passionate about the club and the club’s history and he has driven closer ties with the Broncos’ former greats while also empowering our current players to create a legacy of their own.
“He has also encouraged a “one team, one club” attitude, growing the bond between the players, their families and the wider club – the importance of those bonds can’t be underestimated.
“I’ve seen first-hand his progress as an NRL head coach and as a leader since he came into the top job here at the Broncos.
“It’s a unique and challenging role but it’s one that Kev has shown a willingness to grow and evolve to the benefit of the entire program. A two-year extension provides early clarity for staff and players, as well as stability for the program.”
Kevvie unfazed by Cobbo’s critiques | 00:56
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
Walters, is now the third-longest serving coach of the Broncos with 53 games in charge to add to his 241 premiership games as a player.
“The Broncos are my passion and to earn another two years as coach of this great club is an honour,” Walters said.
“It’s recognition that the entire club – all the players and the staff – are doing their job and playing their role in what we are trying to build together.
“We have made a really encouraging start to the season but that’s exactly what it is – just the start of a long road ahead.
“We know that we have to keep on working hard every training session, every day, every week to stay on the right path towards success.
Pat Carrigan Mic’d up is must-watch TV | 04:46
“The next step down that road is against the Raiders at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night and we can’t wait to get back out there in front of our home crowd.”
In addition to the consistent improvement in on-field performance under Walters, the club has also retained a host of high-calibre talent developed through the Broncos’ Academy system including Pat Carrigan, Reece Walsh, Selwyn Cobbo, Kotoni Staggs, Kobe Hetherington, Cory Paix, Deine Mariner, Blake Mozer and Xavier Willison as well as other NRL Squad re-signings Corey Jensen and Jesse Arthars.
