Kevin Walters declared his intention to leave.
Brisbane Broncos head coach Kevin Walters declared his intention to leave the team
After a back-and-forth game, Broncos coach Kevin Walters responded to his team’s devastating 26-24 loss to Penrith by saying the outcome “pisses him off.”
The defending champions took the lead through Mitch Kenny in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Accor Stadium, but front-rower Tom Flegler cut the lead shortly before halftime.
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Following the interval, it was all Brisbane as rookie sensation Ezra Mam scored a stunning hat-trick to give the team a 16-point advantage and drive their supporters into frenzy.
Sadly for the underdogs, Nathan Cleary pulled off the greatest comeback in NRL Grand Final history, scoring the game-winning touchdown under the posts after converting two tries.
MORE: Player ratings for the Brisbane Broncos and Penrith Panthers
Reactions to the Brisbane Broncos’ grand final loss by Kevin Walter
The current head coach and club legend, after the game, spoke to the media and said it was difficult to accept the setback, especially after leading by a comfortable margin.
It’s really silent in there and devoid of emotion. It’s simply difficult to understand,” Walters remarked.
“I feel bad for all the players there who contributed so much; in the end, it just wasn’t enough. It’s really disheartening.
“I believe that everyone in the stadium—aside from a select few—thought we had done enough. We can improve on it in the upcoming year. But it feels a bit hollow right now.
“I simply feel bad for those boys in there, but I’m okay myself.” That was not a pleasant way for the Lions to lose, in my opinion, after watching yesterday’s AFL Grand Final. Here we are, seated in this identical circumstance.
After everything has settled, all of the people there might feel a great sense of pride in the club’s current state as opposed to its previous state prior to these individuals gaining control of it. It really is that amazing.
“We can take a few days to reflect and feel incredibly pleased with ourselves. We’re upset because, although we were hoping to win a premiership this year, we weren’t successful.
“I don’t think losing in the championship game increases your appetite.”
Walters referred to Mam’s incredible single performance as “superhuman,” but the team’s late-game woes will probably follow them into the off-season and into the following season.
Nevertheless, Walters acknowledged the Broncos’ progress over the previous three years, from wooden spooners to only a hair away from premiership success, whatever the outcome on Sunday night.
It’s worth noting that the Broncos suffered a similar defeat in 2015. “Tonight was just not meant to be,” he remarked.
“There is nothing more I could want from our players. That has happened to me both as a coach and as a player during games. but I’ve also experienced it the opposite way, where things work out for you.”
Adam Reynolds, captain of the Broncos, talks about the devastating loss
Veteran playmaker Adam Reynolds was one of the main players in the middle of the action against the Panthers, fighting through a groin injury to try and lead Brisbane to an unprecedented triumph.
The 33-year-old was disappointed after the game, as he was again on the losing end of a close outcome against the Panthers, just two years after losing his final game for the Rabbitohs.
Reynolds stated, “The message was fairly apparent out there: keep playing some footy.”
They had all the momentum after we arguably went a little one-out, and we were unable to regain it. Losing is difficult in general, regardless of the outcome. You’re playing for a big win in this game.
“I’ve been on the other end of it, unfortunately.”
