Under-fire Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters has addressed the media for the first time since Tyson Gambleโs comments on the coaching hierarchy at Red Hill, claiming he wouldnโt be dropping the departing five-eighth ahead of this weekโs final round game.
The Courier Mail reports that Gamble has already apologized to Walters following his comments that players turn to Adam Reynolds for advice instead of the head coach.
It was a case of strange timing given the comments were made back in August, before Gamble had even signed a contract at the Knights โ and they were only brought to public attention after he was named to start this week following a six-week absence from Waltersโ starting side.
โTyson and I have had a chat about some stuff that was said,โ Walters confirmed.
โI actually think itโs a real positive because one of the reasons we brought Adam Reynolds here was to share his knowledge with the players, staff, everybody. So I see (the comments) as a positive.
โI got coached by Wayne Bennett for 10 years and it wasnโt just him I got information from. I went to Origin camps, I picked up information from other players. I donโt mind where the guys get their information from, as long as we keep it in the team environment.
โMy understanding is (Gamble) was encouraging Adam and the impact heโs had on our club.โ
Despite Brisbaneโs late season collapse bringing them to the brink of elimination and exposing a host of flaws still within the side, Walters is optimistic about his prospects regardless of what happens this weekend.
โI donโt see (his employment) as a problem,โ Walters said.
โIโm not feeling any pressure. Weโve had a great season and we need to continue that momentum into the Dragons game.
โI certainly think weโre a finals team. Weโve been in the top eight most of the year and we just have to get it right against the Dragons.
โI think weโve seen some great progress over the last two years. Itโs the last round, weโre still in with a chance.โ
The Broncos have been dealt a late blow before the key clash, with Jordan Riki (eye) and Corey Jensen (COVID) ruled out, bringing young talent Brendan Piakura into the side for the first time in a year.
โJordan hasnโt come upย too well with his eye, so weโve brought Brendan into the side,โ Walters confirmed.
โBrendanโs had some injuries and COVID, but heโs back playing some good footy in the Queensland Cup.โ
