Kevin Walters reveals new details about Broncos sacking that left him reeling, confirms desire to land new NRL job

Kevin Walters says he was "shocked" to be sacked as Brisbane coach last year and believes he had the team in a position to succeed.

The Broncos legend coached the NRL team for four seasons and missed finals on three occasions.

The 2023 season was a flash in the pan as his team made it to the grand final, and went within 15 minutes of securing the club's first premiership since 2006.

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The Broncos crashed badly to run 12th last year and it ultimately cost Walters his job. Michael Maguire - fresh off leading New South Wales to an Origin series victory - was parachuted into the chair.

Walters was fighting back tears as he fronted a press pack alongside Brisbane chief Dave Donaghy to announce the decision.

"I was shocked," Walters told the Inside Ball podcast this week.

"We were a long way down the track, planning for 2025. We'd hired two assistants, made some changes where we needed to make some changes, so we're already forward-planning for the season of 2025 and then I guess I accelerated things.

"You know, I rang my manager and sort of said, 'I've got a bad feeling in my stomach that this isn't quite right'.

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"He made a phone call and we went in and they made a decision to finish up with me. (They told me) I've been sacked, basically.

"That's a decision that they made, and I've accepted that."

Most NRL coaches do not front media after being sacked from the job.

Walters says he wanted to address Broncos fans directly despite being axed by Donaghy.

"I wanted to stand up in front of everyone and let them know that I was leaving," he said.

"That's why I did it. I did it because I want to own what happened and accept responsibility that I was moving on.

"When I got into the building (to begin the job), I had to find my own shirt to get into the building and get a photo, compared to where they are now.

"We missed the finals last year by two wins which is not a lot. But also we should have done better and I accept that full responsibility.

"But for it to pan out the way it did, considering when I walked into the building (the Broncos had finished last the previous season), I went to a grand final in 2023 … I'm comfortable with what I did at the Broncos in my time there."

Walters declared "I'm gonna coach again" and confirmed he is on the lookout for an opportunity in the NRL.