"The wounds are still too raw": Elephant in the room as Walters sits out Broncos awards night

The Brisbane Broncos capped off their season last night with the Broncos ball and awards night, seeing success of players like Pat Carrigan, however the night sprung some controversy as Kevin Walters was not in attendance.

Corey Parker and Pat Welsh discussed the difficult choice for Walters to not attend, understanding the decision despite the hole it left at the event.

“There was an air of sadness,” Welsh said on SENQ.

“I think the wounds are still too raw. They made him front up at a press conference where he was almost in tears, so what’s going to happen last night in front of the entire playing group and 800 supporters?”

The absence of Walters saw captain Adam Reynolds step up to handle a tribute to Corey Oates, as he finished his NRL career.

Despite some controversy, the two explain the night was handled well and acted as a nice send off to a difficult season for the team.

“Yes (the season) was disappointing but it’s an opportunity for the fans, the sponsors and the players to sign off in what is deemed to be the night of nights for the players,” Parker said on SENQ.

The night saw Pat Carrigan end Payne Haas’s 5 year streak by taking out the Paul Morgan medal for Player of the Season as well as Best Forward and Player’s player.

Julia Robinson cleaned up in the NRLW, receiving Player of the Year, Player’s Player, Best Back and Most Consistent.

Despite weeks of controversies surrounding Walters, the awards night saw the Broncos end the season on high and look ahead to a fresh start in 2025.