Why Smith believes that Broncos players deserve more heat than Walters

SEN’s Cameron Smith has labelled calls for the Brisbane Broncos to sack coach Kevin Walters as premature as pressure mounts on the underperforming powerhouse.

The Broncos were expected to compete for a Premiership in 2024 but have failed to deliver on those expectations and bowed out of finals calculations after an embarrassing 40-6 loss to cross town rivals the Dolphins.

Smith believes the playing group must take more accountability for their performances over the 2024 season rather than Walters.

“There is all this talk around Kevvie’s position and whether he should be the coach,” Smith told SENQ.

“They are jumping the gun if they get rid of him. That’s jumping the gun.

“You have to take into account what the team did last year. It was a fair effort to make a Grand Final and let’s be honest, they should’ve won it.

“It’s gone wrong this year so they need to sit down pretty quickly and do a full review as an entire squad and be brutally honest with each other.

“It’s the only way you can move forward and people need to put their hands up and admit they weren’t good enough.

“That’s senior players and the coaching staff. All of it.

“When you pull on the Broncos jersey, you have got to be prepared to play every week because other teams are coming to get you.

“The attitude is entirely up to the players. You can coach players in skill, tactics and technique but attitude comes down to the individual and how much they want to go out there and make sacrifices.”

The Broncos' depth has been tested significantly throughout the year with star players such as Reece Walsh, Adam Reynolds and Payne Haas spending extended stints on the sideline during the season.

Smith said the Broncos players should take inspiration from Penrith who have proven themselves to be the model of consistency.

“They haven’t had the same hunger or motivation that they had last year,” Smith said of the Broncos.

“I had them as Premiership favourites. It’s gone the other way.

“They haven’t put in the work needed to go again. Penrith have made four Grand Finals in a row and if they make it this year then it’ll be five. It’s just incredible.

“They are a side and a group of individuals who are willing to work hard and make sacrifices every week.”

The Broncos end their 2024 campaign with a Thursday night blockbuster at Suncorp Stadium against Minor Premiers Melbourne.