Huge news dropped overnight as the Brisbane Broncos announced the removal of Kevin Walters as head coach.
An end-of-season review ruled that missing the Finals just wasn't good enough and the Broncos legend paid with his job.
Less than 12 months after Walters and his Broncos fell a Nathan Cleary 20-minute masterclass short of a title, they have parted ways.
I feel Brisbane wouldn't have made this decision unless they had at least a name or two in mind to replace the now-departed Walters.
Below are five names I believe will be in those discussions and therefore likely replacements as Brisbane Broncos head coach:
The current Kangaroos coach was supposedly keen to move back into week-to-week coaching. Many thought he had the South Sydney Rabbitohs job parcelled up.
I believe he ever did an interview on Fox Sports talking about his new role.
He was then overlooked, for whatever reason, by the Bunnies, who opted for the return of Wayne Bennett.
Mal oversaw the greatest QLD dynasty in Origin history. He is a Maroon legend on and off the park.
If Meninga was willing to talk to Souths, I have no doubt the Broncos job would grab his attention.
It has been over 20 years since Meninga oversaw a club side, the Canberra Raiders. That said he has 125 of NRL coaching under his belt and a further 56 as either coach of the Maroons or Kangaroos.
Meninga is a massive presence. His name would excite players and fans alike.
NRL coaching is very different to the rep arena but rugby league is a simple game.
Meninga's name will be linked by the time this drops. I guarantee it.
