Big Pete
International Captain
- Mar 12, 2008
- 32,073
- 25,647
I think we all knew this would play out like it has since Kevie was appointed.
Kev's name has been tossed up as a potential Broncos coach since he basically retired in 2001. In fact, he first coached the Broncos all the way back in 2003 to a 4-40 loss against the Bulldogs. I don't think sections of the fanbase were ever going to move on until Kev got his shot and when the Broncos found themselves at their worst, what did they have to lose?
The Broncos needed a figurehead who was willing to make some tough decisions and rebalance the roster. The roster was in terrible shape after the disastrous decision to sack Bennett and Kev had enough cart blanche to get away with it.
Coming out of 2022 it only seemed like a matter of time before time was called on the Kevolution and it was time to get a new head coach. However the Broncos had the most amazing sense of timing in competition history and just about snatched the 2023 premiership until their limitations were exposed in one of the most humiliating losses in Rugby League history.
It proved a curse because now players were demanding much higher wages based on this golden run of form that was always going to be difficult to sustain. Especially without key players like Farnworth, Flegler and Capewell to help sustain that form.
Unfortunately instead of building on that experience, the Broncos became complacent and made some really neglectful decisions. Some players were being white anted out of the club, others didn't want to be at the club and for whatever reason the club stood in their way and the pathways were completely exposed.
Little by little, the confidence the players had in 23 eroded and by the end they were winning ugly or getting absolutely flogged. It was apparent that Kev had done all he could and there was nothing more he could offer.
It's just a question of who comes into replace him. I think the most logical choice would be Maguire under the guise that he's the best available and has premiership success. It's not ideal and I think Madge left a lot to be desired at both Souths and Wests but he's had an opportunity to learn and on the surface shapes as an improvement on Kevie.
I think the other options like your Hannays and Thorns are far more risky and feel like sentimental picks. I feel the Broncos would be wise to go with a meritocratic approach.
Kev's name has been tossed up as a potential Broncos coach since he basically retired in 2001. In fact, he first coached the Broncos all the way back in 2003 to a 4-40 loss against the Bulldogs. I don't think sections of the fanbase were ever going to move on until Kev got his shot and when the Broncos found themselves at their worst, what did they have to lose?
The Broncos needed a figurehead who was willing to make some tough decisions and rebalance the roster. The roster was in terrible shape after the disastrous decision to sack Bennett and Kev had enough cart blanche to get away with it.
Coming out of 2022 it only seemed like a matter of time before time was called on the Kevolution and it was time to get a new head coach. However the Broncos had the most amazing sense of timing in competition history and just about snatched the 2023 premiership until their limitations were exposed in one of the most humiliating losses in Rugby League history.
It proved a curse because now players were demanding much higher wages based on this golden run of form that was always going to be difficult to sustain. Especially without key players like Farnworth, Flegler and Capewell to help sustain that form.
Unfortunately instead of building on that experience, the Broncos became complacent and made some really neglectful decisions. Some players were being white anted out of the club, others didn't want to be at the club and for whatever reason the club stood in their way and the pathways were completely exposed.
Little by little, the confidence the players had in 23 eroded and by the end they were winning ugly or getting absolutely flogged. It was apparent that Kev had done all he could and there was nothing more he could offer.
It's just a question of who comes into replace him. I think the most logical choice would be Maguire under the guise that he's the best available and has premiership success. It's not ideal and I think Madge left a lot to be desired at both Souths and Wests but he's had an opportunity to learn and on the surface shapes as an improvement on Kevie.
I think the other options like your Hannays and Thorns are far more risky and feel like sentimental picks. I feel the Broncos would be wise to go with a meritocratic approach.