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Brisbane Broncos have sacked coach Kevin Walters after the NRL pre-season favourites fell to 12th spot.
Broncos officials told Walters on Thursday his four-year tenure was over, ending months of speculation after a disappointing 2024 mid-season.
On Thursday night, the club released a statement announcing Walters had stood down.
"Coaching in the NRL takes a toll, not just on the coach but also their family – it's time for me to step away and spend some quality time with my loved ones, who have supported me all the way," Walters said in the statement.
"I'm grateful to the club for providing me with the opportunity to be head coach and we have come a long way from the wooden spoon to last year's run to the Grand Final."
Reece Walsh and Broncos coach Kevin Walters at training in May this year. (AAP: Darren England)
Earlier on Thursday, Broncos chairman Karl Morris confirmed the sacking to News Corp.
"We feel deeply for Kev," he told News Corp.
"He will always be a respected guy and a legend of the Broncos and he will always be treated that way.
"Of course I am shocked. This is a huge job and a pressure job at the Broncos.
"We have great appreciation for Kevvie's efforts and wish him well."
Among the pre-season favourites after going within minutes of lifting last year's premiership, the Broncos suffered a mid-season capitulation in 2024.
The form slump came amid a slew of injuries, while questions were asked over fullback Reece Walsh's form.
Questions have been asked over Reece Walsh's form. (AAP: Scott Radford-Chisholm)
Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy said the club owed the 56-year-old "a debt of gratitude".
"Kevin put his heart and soul into the club during his time as coach. He is one of the most passionate people you will ever meet when it comes to the Broncos and that helped lift us out of a really difficult time," he said in a club statement.
"While we will miss Kev and his infectious personality on a daily basis, we certainly don't want one of the Broncos favourite sons not to stay involved with our great club."
The club legend won six grand finals as a player with Brisbane and Canberra, and coached 99 games at the Broncos, winning 50 matches in total, but missed the finals in three of his four seasons in charge.
Doubts were raised about the former Queensland Origin star's ability to adjust tactically when players were forced off the field during games due to injury.
Brisbane have Trent Barrett on their coaching staff for next season, with the club to immediately begin a search for their next mentor.
AAP/ABC