Walters does not want to be hooked in Broncos No.9 hunt

Joel Gould |

Broncos hooker Billy Walters (left) will be under threat from Ben Hunt (right) when he returns.
Broncos hooker Billy Walters (left) will be under threat from Ben Hunt (right) when he returns.

Brisbane hooker Billy Walters has another chance to hang onto a top 17 spot before Ben Hunt’s return and he does not intend to pass it up.

Hunt is set to return from a hamstring injury against Canterbury next week or the Gold Coast in round 19 where the expectation is that he will play No.9 or No.14 and replace starting hooker Cory Paix or Walters.

It means Saturday afternoon’s home clash with the Warriors is a last chance saloon for Walters and off-contract Paix to hang onto their spots.

“I feel like everyone’s position’s up for grabs,” Walters said.

“You have got to be playing good footy or you’re not going to be in the team. So I don’t know which way Madge (coach Michael Magure) is going to go.

“It’s kind of been up to me and Paixy to see who’s playing the best or see who can bring the most to the team, so, I suppose we’ll see in the next coming weeks.

“I keep asking Dozer (Hunt) when he’s going to be back, hoping he can push it back a little bit further just to make sure I’m in the team, but even if I’m not in the team I’ll still be trying hard to get back in.

“You never know with rugby league these days, it could change pretty quickly, so you’ve always got to be ready and just take the opportunity when it’s there.”

Hunt started the season at five-eighth but with the return of Ezra Mam will slot in at hooker when he returns.

Walters said it was dangerous to look too deeply into his position being in jeopardy.

“if you look at it like that, you start reading into it too much and they can bring out some nerves and not your best football,” he said.

“You can’t think too far ahead anyway. You have got to enjoy every moment that you pull on the Broncos jersey and be grateful for every chance that you get and go out there and play your best footy.

“I just know if I’m playing my best football, then I’ll be in the team somewhere.”

Billy Walters and Cory Paix.
Billy Walters (right) and Cory Paix (centre) are in a battle to retain their hooking spots. (Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)

Paix is still waiting for a contract offer for next year while Walters already has a deal for 2026.

‘”I’ve signed for next year, so I’m not too worried at the moment,” he said.

“Again, you can’t think too far in rugby league, a lot of things can change.

“I mean, if you asked me this time last year, I wouldn’t have thought Ben Hunt was going to be at the club.

“You’ve just got to worry about what’s happening now and what’s happening this week and that’s the Warriors, so looking forward to it.”

AAP