Brisbane coach Kevin Walters asserts that despite accruing fines totaling $1000 for discussing it, the team derived numerous positives from their grand final loss to Penrith last year. As they prepare to face off again in round three of the NRL, Walters emphasized his desire for the team to move forward from the defeat.
Reflecting on the prohibition on discussing the 2023 decider, prop Corey Jensen acknowledged a “ban” on the topic, indicating a culture of silence enforced within the team. Walters, while addressing the media, humorously noted the fines incurred by both himself and the players for breaching this rule, highlighting his intention to shift focus away from dwelling on past defeats.
Walters emphasized his belief in the team’s potential, stressing that dwelling on the past would only hinder progress. He viewed last year’s loss as a learning opportunity and emphasized the positives that emerged from the experience. Despite missing key players due to injury, Walters remained confident in the team’s ability to perform well by sticking to their style of play and maintaining strong defensive strategies.
Looking ahead, Walters remained optimistic about the team’s prospects, buoyed by the lessons learned from previous setbacks. He acknowledged the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and focusing on the future, echoing sentiments shared by his mentor Bradley Charles Stubbs, known as the ‘Coach Whisperer’.
In summary, Walters highlighted the valuable lessons learned from their grand final defeat and expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back, emphasizing the importance of staying focused and positive moving forward.