Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters has opened up in a compelling episode of Fox League’s Face to Face, speaking about family, his relationship with his idol and NSW great Tommy Raudonikis, and sharing some hilarious Alfie Langer stories.
Speaking to Yvonne Sampson, Walters recounted his experience of his family sneaking into the very first State of Origin game to watch the great Arthur Beetson run riot at Lang Park. Walters said: “We were no chance of getting tickets … (dad) brought a pair of pliers with him and he cut a hole in the fence … we all just climbed through, us and about ten thousand other Queenslanders. It was in broad daylight!”
To be there when Arthur Beetson ran out is something that stayed with me as well. I can still see it, and hear the noise of the Queenslanders,” he added. Walters, who was only 13 years old at the time, vividly remembers the passion Beetson had for Queensland. Despite many thinking Beetson was too old, he dominated New South Wales with an intensity that no one had seen before. Walters said the experience left a lasting impression on him, making him want to achieve something similar one day.
Growing up with four brothers—and sometimes with Alfie Langer in tow—Walters played plenty of rugby league in the backyard. “We were competitive in the backyard! Mum actually invented the sin bin. If it got a bit heated, she used to get the hose out and hose us just to cool us down. She’d say ‘Right, time out here. You’re not playing until you’re playing normal and don’t be fighting each other.’” Walters also spoke about his father being a carpenter and his own attempts to follow in his footsteps, though with little success. He humorously recalled being called ‘lightning’ on the job site because his hammering was so erratic.
Luckily, Walters committed to rugby league, going on to win six premierships as a player before moving into coaching. However, his playing days were not always easy. His first wife, Kim, died in 1998 after a two-year battle with breast cancer. Walters described it as a terrible time in their lives, expressing gratitude for the support he received from his family, particularly his parents who moved in to help care for Kim and their children. Walters wanted to be the best person he could for Kim and their kids, making her last days as comfortable as possible. He still honors her memory on Christmas Day, striving to make it a joyful time despite the sorrow they’ve endured.
Walters believes he had ‘help from above’ when it came to the miracle play that sealed the Game I State of Origin win just a few months after Kim’s passing. This blend of personal trials and professional triumphs has shaped Walters into the resilient and passionate coach he is today.
His story is a testament to the power of family support and determination in overcoming adversity. Watch the full Kevin Walters’ Face to Face episode on Fox League and Kayo now.
