Brisbane winger Selwyn Cobbo insists his comments criticising Kevin Walters' coaching ability have been taken out of context but says he has apologised to the coach after they resurfaced online.
In an episode of the Back Of The 135 podcast from late October, Cobbo questioned whether the six-time premiership player was cut out for coaching.
His comments came only weeks after the Broncos fell from the top four to the bottom eight on the back of a 1-5 record to finish Walters' second season in charge.
"I reckon he's a good person, like a good bloke, but I don't think he's a good coach," Cobbo said of Walters.
"He's not the best coach, he's alright. I feel like he's just a good person.
"I feel like he's not a coach - the way that he coaches is a bit weird, I guess."
Cobbo's analysis followed similar comments from ex-Bronco Tyson Gamble, who told the Marshie's Corner podcast in August that halfback Adam Reynolds, rather than Walters, was the side's tactical mastermind and implied the coach was out of step with the modern game.
In a statement released by the Broncos on Sunday morning, Cobbo insisted his quotes, like Gamble's, had been misinterpreted.
"Today's article on a podcast I did last year has been taken out of context," Cobbo said.
"It was two guys chatting and joking about silly things like the comments about Kev that had been made by Tyson."
Walters proved a big supporter of Cobbo this season.
The coach heartily endorsed the 20-year-old for State of Origin selection despite his inexperience at NRL level, allowed Cobbo to miss a crucial game against Parramatta following claims he was burned out, and then kept the player in the side after he arrived late to training on more than one occasion.
Cobbo said Walters had his respect and full support, confirming he had already apologised to the coach for his comments.
"The fact is that Kev is a very good coach, as are all of our coaches at the Broncos," he said.
"I was lucky enough to play Origin for Queensland last year and that is off the back of the coaching of Kev and his team.
"Kev has taught me a lot since coming into the NRL squad and provided me with great support as I adjusted to the professionalism of NRL.
"I was late to training a few times and instead of cutting me, he educated me and supported me.
"When I felt burnt out late in the year, Kev rested me and when he thought I was ready he gave me more responsibilities.
"I have already contacted Kev to apologise and I'd like to extend that to his family and the whole Broncos club for this unwarranted attention over some silly comments from me."
