Walters draws on 2020 six of best for Broncos switch
Joel Gould |
Brisbane coach Michael Maguire can have confidence Billy Walters will shine in his switch to five-eighth because he has done it for him in emphatic fashion before.
Walters, a hooker in recent seasons, had one of his best games as a playmaker in 2020 while at Wests Tigers when Maguire was the coach.
In round 10 at Leichhardt Oval, the Tigers beat the Broncos 48-0 with Walters wearing the No.6 in a stunning display.
The Broncos may have been meagre opponents who took the wooden spoon that year, but Walters, who will play No.6 against the Dolphins on Saturday night in place of the injured Ezra Mam, still delivered a masterclass.
In the first half he held up a pass to perfection to put second-rower Luciano Leilua in to score.
His running game throughout was busy and incisive with 13 runs yielding 96m.
Walters also was a defensive rock defending on the left side with 38 tackles and one missed.
His second-half try showcased enthusiasm, skill and competitive spirit. Half Benji Marshall put up a bomb. Walters was first on the scene and deftly volleyed the ball towards the in-goal area. He was the first one there in a show of never giving up on the play to score.
The other impressive aspect of his performance was that he allowed Marshall to control proceedings. He did not try to overplay his hand, but chimed in and played a team game.
It is the same ethos that he will bring to the table playing alongside the experienced Ben Hunt, who will be the main playmaker against the Dolphins.
Hunt moves from starting hooker to half to replace captain Adam Reynolds, who like Mam is out of action with a torn hamstring.
Dual Broncos premiership winner Kerrod Walters said his nephew had the game and the mentality to shine at No.6.
“I remember that 2020 game for the Tigers where Billy went really well but he grew up playing in the halves,” he told AAP.
“He defends well, his kicking is good and his passes are timed very well.
“He has got good game awareness and will understand his role is to add to what Ben Hunt does to make sure the partnership is successful.
“Billy is also a competitor and a great team player who will do whatever it takes for the team to win.
“Even when he got demoted to the bench behind Cory Paix this year he didn’t let it affect his commitment to the team. Wherever he plays he brings a lot of skill and enthusiasm.”
Walters trained in the halves in the 2025 pre-season and played two trials as a playmaker.
He made his debut for Melbourne in 2019 at No.6 and was initially brought to the Broncos in 2022 as a playmaker.
His first game for the Broncos was also at five-eighth before he transitioned to hooker, where he played in the 2023 grand final.
“He will do well at six but his best position is nine. His form the last two months has been outstanding,” Kerrod Walters said.
AAP
