Broncos champion and board member Darren Lockyer admits relationships with past teammates have “strained” since the club’s decision to sack Kevin Walters and replace him with Michael Maguire.

Watch LIVE coverage of the 2025 Betfred Super League season on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer

The Broncos’ call to make that move was an inspired one, as Maguire led Brisbane to their first premiership in 19 years in his debut season at the helm.

However, even though it had the desired result, several ex-Broncos are still unhappy with the way the club treated Walters.

WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.

Walters took Brisbane to a grand final in 2023 but was sacked 12 months later after the Broncos plummeted down the ladder.

Lockyer, who won premierships with Walters at the Broncos in 1997, 1998 and 2000, says the decision to sack his former teammate was a “tough one” but was made “in the best interest of the club”.

“Of course it was hard,” he told The Courier Mail.

“I wouldn’t say I have burnt friendships, but there’s a lot of guys I played with and won premierships with that I have a strained relationship with now because of the decision.

Not that I made that decision. It was the collective board, and I have lost some skin along the way.

“But I always feel, as Wayne (Bennett) has always said, that every decision we make has to be in the best interests of the club.”

Haas’ management puts R360 talks on hold | 00:57

MORE GRAND FINAL NEWS

PREDICTED RD 1 TEAMS: Big returns loom for ‘stacked’ side, where recruits fit in

CRAWLS: Why Nov 1 ‘circus’ is a farce that needs fixing; Kevvie’s ticket back to NRL

PLAYER EXITS: Storm farewell FIVE players in huge hint duo will be re-signed

Lockyer explained the reasoning behind Maguire’s appointment.

The Hall-of-Famer said Walters did a great job steering the Broncos from a wooden spoon in 2021 to a grand final two years later, but the failure of 2024 was too hard to look past.

”Last year fell away pretty dramatically and after the review, it was pretty apparent we had to go in a different direction,” Lockyer said.

“I think hiring Madge was the right call. There was always talent there, the Broncos have always got the ability to put together a good roster, it’s just having the culture in

place.

“Madge had a different approach to his predecessor and we felt that would complement the group that we had.”