Broncos coach Kevin Walters has denied his tumultuous relationship with Ben Ikin is the reason the head of football is on the cusp leaving the club.
Ikin is considered a strong chance to be offered the Queensland Rugby League chief executive role after interviewing for the job on Wednesday.
If he lands the position it would see Ikin leave the top-of-the-table Broncos midway through the season and just eight months after his public rift with Walters.
Watch every game of NRL’s Magic Round LIVE in HD, with no ad-breaks during play on Fox League, available on Foxtel and Kayo >
FOX LEAGUE PODCAST – REECE ROBSON Listen HERE >
Brisbane bosses were forced to mediate the pair last year, who played in the halves for the Broncos in their victorious 2000 grand final, so they could work together.
Walters was appointed at the end of 2020 and Ikin rejoined his old club halfway through 2021 after a long stint hosting NRL 360.
The coach downplayed any rift between the former teammates and said it was not the reason Ikin was potentially leaving.
“We’re working together every day,” Walters said on Triple M.
MORE NRL NEWS
‘PLAYING WITH FIRE’: Dragons blasted for ‘risky’ Hunt switch as rival clubs circle
‘SUPERFLUOUS’: Walker’s axing could spark halves market ‘domino’ effect
POWER RANKINGS: Big-money rise behind Souths surge; Panthers could slide further
“The media have a role to play in our game, to create headlines. That’s OK, that’s all part of the bubble of rugby league.
“Ben is a great fella, he’s been working with us at the Broncos.
“We haven’t had an in-depth conversation about what’s happening at the QRL, I believe he was having an interview today, so that’s good for Ben.
“He will go – if he does go – with our blessing.”
The Broncos were sitting fourth after Round 19 last year before inexplicably missing finals, but they’re flying in 2023.
They’ve won seven of their opening nine games and are short-priced favourites to beat Manly on Friday night at a sold-out Suncorp Stadium in Magic Round.
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
