Brisbane Broncos football boss Ben Ikin has reportedly quit his role on the club’s recruitment and retention committee.
Speculation has been rife that Ikin, who rejected suggestions he should be the new CEO of the Queensland Rugby League, would move on from the club.
But News Corp reported Ikin had stepped back from the Broncos' panel that looks after the club’s retention and recruitment, having had his job title shift from head of football to head of football operations after the departure of former football manager Steve Walters.
Ikin joined the Broncos 18 months ago and he was not asked to stand down but informed Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy of his decision in the pre-season.
It leaves Donaghy, head coach Kevin Walters, salary-cap manager Louise Lanigan, Broncos Academy chief Simon Scanlan and board member and club legend Darren Lockyer on the panel.
In the Broncos hierarchy, Ikin reports to Walters, who reports to Donaghy.
Ikin was believed to have played a key role in the club’s signing of Maroons forward Kurt Capewell from the Panthers, but the Broncos have lost the likes of Herbie Farnworth and Tom Flegler to the Dolphins in recent weeks.
The Broncos pulled off a huge signing on Thursday, re-signing reigning Wally Lewis Medallist Pat Carrigan until the 2028 season.
Queensland great Scott Sattler told News Corp he was surprised by the move from Ikin.
“I am totally surprised that Ben Ikin would not be on the club’s recruitment-and-retention committee,” Sattler said.
“Especially someone who has played Origin and Test football and has won at the highest levels of the competition.
“Ben might be executing some things quietly because he’s not a guy who craves attention. He is happy to slide along in the shadows and get the job done.
“The great thing about Ben is he is selfless and would no doubt put the Broncos first to ensure ‘Kevvie’ (Walters) gets all the support he needs.
“But the head of football has to be involved in the club’s roster and succession planning.
“When I was football manager at the Titans, I worked closely with Carty (John Cartwright) as coach and Michael Searle to build our roster.
“As the head of football, he should have input into recruitment and an understanding of the club’s salary cap position. There’s a lot of moving pieces and Ben should have a direct say in who the club signs and whether they fit the Broncos’ standards.
“Ben Ikin should have his fingerprints all over the Broncos’ roster and their succession planning.”
However, it comes just months after Ikin and Walters were revealed to have had a rift.
Walters himself admitted at the back end of last season it wasn’t all smooth sailing between the pair.
“Ben is new to the club, he came in at the back end of last year and we are working well together.
“Can things be better with him? Yes, everything in the club can be better.
“I need to be better myself and Ben needs to be better.
“I don’t have a major issue with him. I’m very clear on what needs to happen and I’m very clear on wanting to take the club forward.
“The NRL head coach is the hub of a football department. In my 20 years of working at successful football clubs like the Broncos, Storm and even Canberra when I won a premiership there, the coach, CEO and chairman carry the load of the club.”
It’s been a strong start to the season for the Broncos, who beat the back-to-back champion Panthers at home in the opening game of the season.
