Former Broncos coach criticises Kevvie and accuses players of being ‘110 per cent’ spoiled

bdixlivetvSeptember 7, 2024

A former Broncos coach accused Kevin Walters of accumulating “yes-men” in the club, while the pressure on the controversial coach continues to mount.

Fresh from their 2023 Grand Final appearance, the Broncos fell spectacularly from grace in 2024, slipping to 12th on the ladder with a record of 10-14 and ending the year with a disastrous 50-12 loss to minor premiers the Storm.

Mark “Chopper” Burgess, who was part of the club’s high performance team in 2022 and previously worked under Wayne Bennett at the Broncos between 1998 and 2004, compared Walters negatively to the champion coach on 4BC Radio and said he does not like being challenged by staff.

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“You just don’t argue with the boss,” Burgess said of his time under Walters.

“I’ve had so many arguments with Wayne Bennett, Michael Maguire, Ricky Stuart and Steve Kearney, all great coaches. They want a different perspective. They want a coach in their team who says, ‘Listen, this might not be right. Can we do it this way?’

“With Kevvie’s team, on the other hand, it was either he did what he wanted or nothing.

“I love Kev. He’s a great guy. He’s a great guy. I know his wife and his kids, but the key is his leadership.

“The key is, that’s the boss, that’s what we do, they delegate when they have to.”

“If the Broncos are not honest, they will get the same results.

Corey Oates is attacked. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

“Kevvie has a lot of problems with the people around him. I don’t know if this is a big help to Kevvie, he hasn’t had a lot of support.

Burgess was also scathing about the Broncos’ off-field setup, claiming players were over-pampered, had too many staff and immaculate facilities that were a far cry from those enjoyed by championship teams of yore.

“Two things shocked me the most (while working with the Broncos in 2022): First, there were way too many mirrors in the gym; and second, you weren’t allowed to sweat, and if you did, you had a towel with you.

“This palatial gymnasium looks more like a hair salon.

“Wayne Bennett won many titles in a rusty old gym next to the bowls club. I joined the Broncos in 2022 and there is one coach per player doing something that justifies their existence and position there.

“I asked that quite a few times and was mowed down for my comments. For many of her employees, it was a bit of a power rush.

“You have this high-performance center worth millions and millions of dollars, it’s the benchmark in the competition … it obviously doesn’t show on the field.”

“110 percent,” said Burgess when asked if the group of players needed a realistic perspective.

“Get them a job. Get them to study at TAFE… stop making them sign autographs and take selfies with fans all day and make them earn their money.”

“You get paid ridiculous amounts of money. Go out and earn it. Go study. Go to old people’s homes. Work. Go clean up a cemetery.”

“Do something productive for society, not just collect your money.”

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