The Broncos have continued their impressive retention drive with dummy-half Billy Walters signing a new two-year deal to stay at the club until the end of the 2026 season.
Walters, 30, has made the No.9 jersey his own since he moved north in 2022 and played a big part in helping them reach the grand final last year.
His running game and guile around the ruck have developed nicely over the past 12 months and freed up room for the likes of Adam Reynolds, Ezra Mam and Reece Walsh to wreak havoc on the edges.
“I’m super stoked to stay – I didn’t want to go anywhere else and the club was happy to keep me so it’s a good result,” Walters said.
“I love playing here, the Broncos are the greatest club in the NRL and I’m just really grateful that they wanted to keep me around and I’m really happy to stay here for another two years.”
It’s a proud moment for his dad and coach Kevin Walters, who has seen his son go through plenty since he made his debut for the Storm in 2019.
“We as a club are proud of the way Billy has improved his footy since joining the Broncos – he has fought hard to get every bit of his NRL career,” he said.
“Some players get everything at their feet but Billy has had some injuries and some disappointment but he has stuck at it and worked really hard … and now he’s playing some good football for us and continuing to improve every week.”
The contract extension isn’t great news for young gun Blake Mozer, who has been tipped to be one of the next great NRL hookers, but his coach said just last week that “patience is a virtue” and that he could be playing more first grade this season.
“At the moment, Billy and Tyson (Smoothy) have a mortgage on those two positions,” Walters said.
“Billy and Tyson are playing well, but we see Blake as a long-term player here.
“He is still honing his skills in the Queensland Cup. He is building some good relationships at that level which is going to help him when he does get his chance.
“I expect him to play in the NRL this year. I have no hesitation with him playing in our team.”
Source Agencies
