Broncos champion and board member Darren Lockyer admits relationships with past teammates have \u201cstrained\u201d since the club\u2019s decision to sack Kevin Walters and replace him with Michael Maguire. <\/p>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\n The Broncos\u2019 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.<\/p>\n However, even though it had the desired result, several ex-Broncos are still unhappy with the way the club treated Walters.<\/p>\n WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.<\/p>\n Walters took Brisbane to a grand final in 2023 but was sacked 12 months later after the Broncos plummeted down the ladder. <\/p>\n Lockyer, who won premierships with Walters at the Broncos in 1997, 1998 and 2000, says the decision to sack his former teammate was a \u201ctough one\u201d but was made \u201cin the best interest of the club\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course it was hard,\u201d he told The Courier Mail.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cI wouldn\u2019t say I have burnt friendships, but there\u2019s a lot of guys I played with and won premierships with that I have a strained relationship with now because of the decision.<\/p>\n Not that I made that decision. It was the collective board, and I have lost some skin along the way.<\/p>\n \u201cBut I always feel, as Wayne (Bennett) has always said, that every decision we make has to be in the best interests of the club.\u201d<\/p>\n Haas’ management puts R360 talks on hold | 00:57<\/p>\n MORE GRAND FINAL NEWS<\/p>\n PREDICTED RD 1 TEAMS: Big returns loom for \u2018stacked\u2019 side, where recruits fit in<\/a><\/p>\n