NRL fans all say same thing about Ben Ikin amid embarrassing new low for Broncos
Brisbane Broncos fans are urging the NRL club to try and lure Ben Ikin back after a stunning fall from grace since his departure. Ikin was formerly the head of football at the Broncos, but departed in 2023 to become the CEO of Queensland Rugby League.
His time at the club was marred by rumours he didn't see eye-to-eye with then-coach Kevin Walters, and his departure came after his role was scaled back significantly. Walters initially reported to Ikin, but that was changed so Walters could get around Ikin and report straight to CEO Dave Donaghy.
When leaving the Broncos in 2023, Ikin said: 'The short answer is I came in expecting to do a certain number of things, some of those things dropped off, and I picked up some other projects."
Although the Broncos made the grand final in 2023, they've fallen off a cliff since Ikin's departure. They finished 12th in 2024 (which led to Walters being sacked), and are 11th after 13 rounds in 2025 under new coach Michael Maguire.
Questions are starting to emerge about the leadership at the club, particularly at board level. Ikin's name has been mentioned a number of times in recent weeks as someone who might be able to fix the joint and get the club back on track.
One person wrote on social media: "The Broncos messed up major when they let Ben Ikin walk." Another commented: "Bring Ben Ikin back no matter what it takes. This club is a joke and should be viewed as one." While a third added: "When Ikin was pushed out because Kevvie had his ego bruised, that was the end. Ikin got practically zero credit for turning the place around - now we are back in the same hole as 2020/21."
Late last year, the Broncos tried to poach the Melbourne Storm's highly-rated general manager Frank Ponissi, but he decided to remain under Craig Bellamy. It was a clear indication the Broncos realised they're lacking what Ikin provided in his role, which they haven't been able to fill.
The dude had them on the straight and narrow. It still baffles me to this day why they couldn't see all the good he'd done and throw the chequebook at him.
— Rupert McDougall (@RupertMcDougall) June 2, 2025
Bring back Ben ikin
— Ben (@buskya2) May 31, 2025
Fire everyone. Release every player except, like, Pat and Reyno and start over. Bring Ben Ikin back no matter what it takes.This club is a joke and should be viewed as one.
— Lukas (@NotPatCarrigan) May 31, 2025
Thank you. When Ikin was pushed out because Kevvie had his ego bruised, that was the end. Ikin got practically zero credit for turning the place around - now we are back in the same hole as 2020/21.
— Ben (@orca_chaser) May 31, 2025
It came after the club was forced to deny rumours of Ikin's return when Walters was sacked in October. Ikin was noticeably absent on NRL grand final day, when he was expected to be in attendance for the State Championship final.
Instead it was chairman Bruce Hatcher acting as the QRL's representative, and he presented the trophy to the Newtown Jets after the game. Ikin's absence sparked rumours he may have left his QRL role, with many suggesting he could be on the verge a return to the Broncos.
But Broncos chairman Karl Morris later said: 'We are very happy with Dave (Donaghy as CEO). We have never had more members and sponsorship, but it's also about winning on the field and that's our goal every year.'
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With the Broncos in desperate need of an overhaul, many believe Ikin is the man for the job. Whether or not he'll leave Queensland Rugby League and return to the role at the Brisbane club remains to be seen.
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