Brisbane captain Adam Reynolds says Broncos players were "blindsided" by the decision to sack coach Kevin Walters. Less than 12 months after taking the side to a grand final, Brisbane announced on Thursday night that they had parted ways with the club legend. Walters had two years to run on his contract but recognised the need for the Broncos to move in a fresh direction in the off-season. "Aside from playing here, it's been the greatest thrill and honour of my life to have coached the Broncos," he said in a club statement on Thursday night. "Coaching in the NRL takes a toll, not just on the coach but also their family – it's time for me to step away and spend some quality time with my loved ones, who have supported me all the way over the last four years. "I'm grateful to the club for providing me with the opportunity to be head coach and we have come a long way from the wooden spoon to last year's run to the grand final. "I wish the team and the club all the best." Many expected the Broncos to compete for a premiership once again, but injuries and off-season departures saw them drop to 12th spot on the NRL ladder. While the season was less than desirable, club skipper Reynolds, who was brought to the club by Walters, told The Sydney Morning Herald the players found out through the news media. "We were as surprised as anyone when the news broke – we still haven't heard anything official," Reynolds told the publication late Thursday. "Kevvie is one of the main reasons I came to the club. I'm naturally disappointed. I have a lot of respect for him. I don't know what else to say until the club communicates with us. "We're all trying to find out what's going on. He's a great coach and I love his coaching style. It's been a tough year. Everything that could have gone wrong went wrong. "We lost four players from last year's grand final, and me, Reece [Walsh] and Payne [Haas] have been out for long periods this year. Myself and Ezra [Mam] only played a handful of games together this year. "I've tried reaching out to Kev. I feel for him." Brisbane undertook an extensive review after the results of this season and have decided to part ways with Walters, who had two years to run on his contract at Red Hill. Walters coached 99 first games and recorded 50 wins during his four-year tenure. "We owe a debt of gratitude to Kevin, for the enormous role he's played as head coach over the past four years," chief executive Dave Donaghy said.
