On this week’s episode of Neds NRL Unpopular Opinions, former Brisbane Broncos star Jharal Yow Yeh offered his views on the sacking of Kevin Walters as Broncos coach and the appointment of Michael “Madge” Maguire as his replacement.
Yow Yeh expressed both personal disappointment and optimism for the future of the club under new leadership.
After a frantic week at Red Hill, former 60-game superstar Jharal Yow-Yeh shares his thoughts on what the future at the Broncos looks like under Michael Maguire.
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SPOTIFY – https://t.co/qnXHqfAnxc pic.twitter.com/OwCTS64ul0— Neds (@NedsAus) October 2, 2024
“I’m just upset for Kevin because obviously, I’ve got a relationship with him,” Yow Yeh shared.
He emphasised that this was not a slight against Maguire but rather out of a deep respect for Walters’ legacy with the Broncos.
“He’s captained this amazing club and has been able to live his dream and coach it,” Yow Yeh added, highlighting Walters’ significant contributions, including his five premierships as a player and taking the Broncos to the 2023 NRL Grand Final as coach.
The suddenness of Walters’ sacking took Yow Yeh by surprise, as it did for many in the NRL world.
While some may have anticipated the move, he personally thought Walters would have had another season to regroup and build on his work with the club.
“I thought he would go into next year, start fresh, and be able to regroup, but yeah, not to be, which is upsetting,” Yow Yeh stated, underlining the anger and confusion along with the emotional roller coaster held by many of the Broncos faithful.
However, Yow Yeh acknowledged Maguire’s credentials, particularly his success with the South Sydney Rabbitohs and his recent work with the New Zealand national team and the New South Wales Blues.
“What he’s been able to do with the New Zealand side and the New South Wales Blues side has been second to none,” Yow Yeh admitted.
High expecations.
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— Brisbane Broncos (@brisbanebroncos) October 1, 2024
Maguire’s experience in steering teams to success, including his 2014 drought-breaking premiership win with as coach of the Rabbitohs, where he coached Adam Reynolds—now Broncos captain—was a positive that Yow Yeh highlighted.
Yow Yeh also reflected on Walters’ sacrifices and the swift nature of his exit. “He got to live his dream, 21 years, he coached to want to get this job, and to leave really rapidly the way it did… it’s pretty sad for him,” he noted.
Despite this, Yow Yeh believes Walters will continue to support the club’s success from afar.
“He will always put the Broncos first,” Yow Yeh concluded, showing his respect for Walters’ character and dedication to the team.
Always a Bronco 🐴
Thank you, Kev. pic.twitter.com/xPMzBTkgKW
— Brisbane Broncos (@brisbanebroncos) September 26, 2024
As for the future, Yow Yeh sees promise under Maguire’s leadership but stresses that success will require buy-in from everyone at the club, not just the coach.
“It starts with all of us,” Yow Yeh stated, calling for a collective effort from players, staff, and supporters to ensure the Broncos’ success moving forward.
Ultimately, Yow Yeh’s views on the coaching change are a blend of sorrow for Walters’ departure and cautious optimism for what Maguire could bring to the club.
While the transition may be difficult for Broncos fans and Maguire will be under intense scrutiny from local fans and media, Yow Yeh believes Maguire’s leadership could usher in a new era for the team, provided that everyone pulls together.