When Kevin Walters took over as head coach at Brisbane Broncos at the end of the 2020 season, some fans thought the return of the legend would produce immediate results.

However, the Broncos won just seven games in 2021 and finished in fourteenth spot on the ladder. Many of those same fans were questioning of putting Walters in charge of such an iconic club, despite him leading Queensland to an unexpected State of Origin series victory in 2020.

Less than twelve months later, Brisbane fans must be ecstatic at the decision to appoint Kevin Walters as head coach. With seven rounds to play, the Broncos are knocking on the door of a top four spot. Walters and the Brisbane hierarchy have bought wisely, and the development of young players has been a feature of their resurgence.

Adam Reynolds looks like being the buy of the season. The former South Sydney captain has provided experience, leadership, play making skills and goal kicking to the Broncos. The addition of State of Origin utility Kurt Capewell has also ensured Brisbane have a Ben Kennedy like figure that they can follow. Patrick Carrigan, Kobe Hetherington and Jordan Riki have all improved with Capewell alongside them.

The Broncos probably won’t quite win the premiership in 2022. But the improvement under club legend Kevin Walters is demonstrably visible, and the culture of the Broncos is back to where it was for most of their existence.

The Kevolution is real.