Kevin Walters has officially returned to the NRL broadcasting scene, signing with Fox Sports to join their NRL commentary team for the 2025 season. This marks a significant transition for Walters, who spent the last four years as head coach of the Brisbane Broncos, leading them to the Grand Final in 2023.
After having faced challenging times during the 2024 season, which ended with the Broncos finishing 12th and missing out on the finals, Walters stepped away from his coaching role. His departure came after he was replaced by Michael Maguire, but his passion for the sport remained unshaken. "I'm incredibly excited to join the team once again," Walters expressed during his announcement with Newscorp. "Fox League is coming off the back of its biggest year with 2025 looking to be the same. There's no besser time to join the team than now!"
Walters has not only rejoined Fox League but has also made his return during the NRL Pre-Season Challenge between Cronulla Sharks and Canberra Raiders, showcasing his extensive knowledge and unique perspective of the game. His insight, honed through years of experience both as a player and as head coach, is expected to resonate well with fans and viewers alike.
Fox Sports Managing Director Steve Crawley praised Walters, noting, "Kevvie is one of the greats of the game. His ability is matched by his great sense of humour. We love him - the fans love him. We're tickled pink to have him back on board." These sentiments highlight the positive impact Walters has had on the sport and on the Fox League team, which boasts other notable personalities such as Matty Johns, Yvonne Sampson, and Braith Anasta.
Walters' coaching stint with the Broncos was marked by highs and lows. Over four seasons, he guided the team to 50 wins from 99 matches, culminating in their memorable run to the 2023 Grand Final, where they fell short against the Penrith Panthers. Despite the mixed results of his tenure, he is remembered fondly as part of the club's history.
Despite leaving his coaching role, Walters won't be stepping away from the Brisbane Broncos entirely. He retains the position of club ambassador, continuing to represent the organization and remain involved with the processes happening behind the scenes. His continuing relationship with the Broncos adds another layer of complexity to his new role at Fox Sports.
Looking forward, the Broncos are gearing up for their first pre-season trial against Burleigh on Saturday night. They will prepare to bounce back under the guidance of Michael Maguire as they aim to improve from last season's results.
For Walters, this move back to Fox League signals not just a return to familiar territory but also the opportunity to share his insights with viewers who appreciate his unique flair and depth of knowledge. The combination of his commentary and his ambassadorial role promises to keep him close to the pulse of the game as he transitions fully from coaching to broadcasting.
This transition for Walters is particularly timely, coinciding with what promises to be another exciting season of NRL. Fans can look forward to not just matches but also the analysis and commentary of one of the game's respected figures, enriching their viewing experience as the action heats up.