Latest news with #BillyWalters
ABC News
a day ago
- Sport
- ABC News
Brisbane Broncos name Ben Hunt and Billy Walters in halves to face Dolphins NRL round 24
The Brisbane Broncos have named a new halves pairing for this weekend's crucial derby against the Dolphins, after injury chaos hit the club last weekend. The Broncos lost halfback Adam Reynolds and five-eighth Ezra Mam on the same play during the club's 22-2 loss away to the Melbourne Storm last Thursday. Both men were chasing Storm winger Xavier Coates when they pulled up with hamstring injuries and limped off the field. Ben Hunt and Billy Walters will suit up in the halves for the Broncos this Saturday against the Dolphins, as the club attempts to reset and push for the finals. Hunt has played the majority of his 348 NRL matches in the halves, including the first 10 rounds of this season. Hunt was Brisbane's halfback in their 2015 grand final defeat to the North Queensland Cowboys. Despite spending most of his career at Brisbane as a hooker, Walters — the son of former coach Kevin Walters — has experience in the halves for both the Melbourne Storm and Wests Tigers. Walters and Hunt have been Maguire's first and second choice number nine. Their move to the halves has opened the door for Cory Paix to be named the starting hooker. The Broncos are sixth on the NRL ladder, but are only one win better off than the Sydney Roosters, who sit ninth. Brisbane could end next weekend as high as fifth on the NRL ladder with a win over the eighth-placed Dolphins. But a loss on Saturday, and other results going against them, could drop the Broncos down to ninth with three matches remaining before the finals. Reynolds and Mam both injured their hamstrings while chasing Melbourne winger Xavier Coates last Thursday. Late in the same match, Brisbane's night worsened when outside back Selwyn Cobbo also limped off with a hamstring injury. In a statement released by the club, 35-year-old Reynolds was said to be hopeful of returning before the finals, but the season could be over for Mam and Cobbo. "Adam Reynolds suffered a hamstring injury in last night's game against the Storm and will not return to play for a period of four weeks," the club said in a statement. "Scans have confirmed Ezra Mam and Selwyn Cobbo each suffered more significant hamstring injuries during the Storm game and are not likely to return to play for a period in excess of six weeks." Josiah Karapani will come back into the Broncos' starting side as a straight swap for Cobbo on the wing. Brisbane's triple injury blow against Melbourne came one week after the Broncos lost prop Xavier Willison, who fractured his right forearm during the round 22 win over the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wally Lewis responds to Billy Walters' new role as Kevin Walters truth singled out
League legend Wally Lewis says Billy Walters' move to the halves is another chance for the Broncos star to silence his critics and does not believe he will be overrawed by stepping into his famous father's old jersey. Kevin Walters is one of the greatest players in Brisbane's history to wear the No.6 jersey, featuring at five-eighth in four of his five grand final victories with the Broncos during his playing days. Now his son Billy looks set to be given his chance to make his mark in the famous jumper after hamstring injuries to first-choice halves pair Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds. The Broncos playmakers both went down in the same crazy passage of play against the Storm last week, with Brisbane also losing Selwyn Cobbo to a hamstring injury in a devastating blow to Brisbane's NRL finals hopes. Reynolds is reportedly a chance to return before the finals but the prognosis is not as good for Mam and Cobbo, whose seasons could be over. But Walters is ready to step up into the halves void to play alongside Ben Hunt, after training alongside the veteran playmaker in the five-eighth role on Monday. Walters played in the halves at the Storm and Wests Tigers and was initially signed by the Broncos to play in that position. He also alternated between the halves and hooking roles in pre-season after admitting that he 'wasn't ready' to be thrust into the five-eighth role last season when injuries struck. But with Brisbane's finals hopes on the line, pressure will be on Walters to perform, with Saturday's home game against local rivals the Dolphins looming as crucial to both side's top-eight chances. Lewis says the inevitable comparisons to his famous father make it even more challenging for the younger Walters, but doesn't believe he's phased by the weight of expectation after hailing the move to five-eighth. Wally Lewis backs Billy Walters in No.6 role for Broncos 'It is selections like this which prove that Billy has forged his own path and done very well and the critics have learnt to shut their mouths. I admire him. He has plenty of skills," Lewis told . 'He has done well. Early in his career he may have lacked a bit of confidence and he would have gone through that period where people would have said, 'Well, his father would not have done that'... (but) Billy doesn't need to be compared to his father. He is a completely different kid." Walters played two trials in the halves to prove to coach Michael Maguire that he can be trusted in the playmaking role if called upon. Brisbane's late-season injury carnage means that opportunity has now come, and Walters said earlier this year that the work he did in pre-season would hold him in good stead. RELATED: Roosters stars raise fresh concerns over $828 million stadium problem Beautiful family detail as Maroons Origin player signs with Dragons Titans make big call on Des Hasler in bid to keep Gold Coast captain 'I have always enjoyed five-eighth," Walter said at the time. 'I trained probably 50-50 in the halves in pre-season. Something me and Madge (coach Michael Maguire) spoke about in pre-season was that I hadn't trained too much at six. I got thrown in there a few times last year and wasn't ready for it, so I got some reps in there after talking to Madge and dusted off the cobwebs." Walters' move to the halves is expected to see Cory Paix move into the starting hooker role, having played most of the season in the No.9 jersey. Frontrunner Josiah Karapani and Jesse Arthars are battling it out for Cobbo's vacant wing spot, with the sixth-placed Broncos knowing a win against the eighth-placed Dolphins will all but wrap up a spot in the finals. with AAP
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Walters draws on 2020 six of best for Broncos switch
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.
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Walters set for Broncos halves as history repeats
Billy Walters appears set to wear his father's famous No.6 jersey in the "Battle of Brisbane'' with the Dolphins. Broncos training on Monday was highly suggestive that the 31-year-old will replace injured Ezra Mam for Saturday night's clash at Suncorp Stadium. Walters, who came off the bench at hooker in the 22-2 loss to Melbourne, trained alongside new halfback Ben Hunt, with Cory Paix slotting in at dummy-half. Hunt will replace captain Adam Reynolds, who like Mam tore a hamstring against the Storm. Walters played in the halves at the Storm and Wests Tigers and was initially signed by the Broncos to play in that position. He also trained in the pre-season as a half/hooker and has done the reps and training to slot in and do the job with aplomb. Walters played two trials in the halves to show coach Michael Maguire's hand about his abilities. Billy's father Kevin won four of his five grand finals in the No.6 jersey, so it will be a nice touch to see him follow in those illustrious footsteps. The sixth-placed Broncos will all but wrap up a finals berth if they can beat the Dolphins (eighth). They will have their sights on a top-four spot, but to do that they probably need to win all four of their remaining games and hope fourth-placed Penrith, three points ahead of them on 31, slip up in the weeks ahead. The Broncos also need to replace winger Selwyn Cobbo, who tore a hamstring late against the Storm. Josiah Karapani appeared the early favourite at training, although Jesse Arthars is another option. Paix is the obvious option at hooker after playing most of the season as the starting No.9. Billy Walters appears set to wear his father's famous No.6 jersey in the "Battle of Brisbane'' with the Dolphins. Broncos training on Monday was highly suggestive that the 31-year-old will replace injured Ezra Mam for Saturday night's clash at Suncorp Stadium. Walters, who came off the bench at hooker in the 22-2 loss to Melbourne, trained alongside new halfback Ben Hunt, with Cory Paix slotting in at dummy-half. Hunt will replace captain Adam Reynolds, who like Mam tore a hamstring against the Storm. Walters played in the halves at the Storm and Wests Tigers and was initially signed by the Broncos to play in that position. He also trained in the pre-season as a half/hooker and has done the reps and training to slot in and do the job with aplomb. Walters played two trials in the halves to show coach Michael Maguire's hand about his abilities. Billy's father Kevin won four of his five grand finals in the No.6 jersey, so it will be a nice touch to see him follow in those illustrious footsteps. The sixth-placed Broncos will all but wrap up a finals berth if they can beat the Dolphins (eighth). They will have their sights on a top-four spot, but to do that they probably need to win all four of their remaining games and hope fourth-placed Penrith, three points ahead of them on 31, slip up in the weeks ahead. The Broncos also need to replace winger Selwyn Cobbo, who tore a hamstring late against the Storm. Josiah Karapani appeared the early favourite at training, although Jesse Arthars is another option. Paix is the obvious option at hooker after playing most of the season as the starting No.9. Billy Walters appears set to wear his father's famous No.6 jersey in the "Battle of Brisbane'' with the Dolphins. Broncos training on Monday was highly suggestive that the 31-year-old will replace injured Ezra Mam for Saturday night's clash at Suncorp Stadium. Walters, who came off the bench at hooker in the 22-2 loss to Melbourne, trained alongside new halfback Ben Hunt, with Cory Paix slotting in at dummy-half. Hunt will replace captain Adam Reynolds, who like Mam tore a hamstring against the Storm. Walters played in the halves at the Storm and Wests Tigers and was initially signed by the Broncos to play in that position. He also trained in the pre-season as a half/hooker and has done the reps and training to slot in and do the job with aplomb. Walters played two trials in the halves to show coach Michael Maguire's hand about his abilities. Billy's father Kevin won four of his five grand finals in the No.6 jersey, so it will be a nice touch to see him follow in those illustrious footsteps. The sixth-placed Broncos will all but wrap up a finals berth if they can beat the Dolphins (eighth). They will have their sights on a top-four spot, but to do that they probably need to win all four of their remaining games and hope fourth-placed Penrith, three points ahead of them on 31, slip up in the weeks ahead. The Broncos also need to replace winger Selwyn Cobbo, who tore a hamstring late against the Storm. Josiah Karapani appeared the early favourite at training, although Jesse Arthars is another option. Paix is the obvious option at hooker after playing most of the season as the starting No.9.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kevin Walters in telling move for son Billy after ugly fallout at Brisbane Broncos
Kevin Walters has taken a giant step in repairing his relationship with the Brisbane Broncos after returning to the club as a special guest for his son Billy's 100-game milestone. Walters was left gutted after being axed as Broncos coach at the end of last season, replaced by Michael Maguire despite still having two years remaining on his contract. Walters is a legend of the club after winning five premierships with the Broncos as a player and coming within a whisker of claiming another one as Brisbane's coach in the 2023 grand final defeat to Penrith. But a disappointing 2024 season led to a highly contentious axing that left many Broncos greats fuming about how the club had treated one of their own. After moving into a media role with Fox League this year, Walters put aside any potential bad blood with the Broncos after making a guest appearance at Red Hill alongside Maguire this week, to celebrate his son's 100th game for the club. In a promising sign the former coach is ready to move on from his axing, Walters presented Billy with his Broncos jersey ahead of Friday night's milestone game against the Bulldogs at Accor Stadium. 'It was really good... I have known him (Billy) for four or five years now and to see a player play 100 games is pretty special," Maguire told about the special moment between father and son. 'We always talk about playing one game, let alone 100, but I've been able to have a few of the boys with Adam Reynolds' 300th and Jordan Riki's 100th. "Now we have another one, so it's good to see the experience is within the team. Kevvie came in and spoke really well. It was nice to see a father and son together which was really special.' Walters' axing by the Broncos is clearly still a prickly issue, with former teammate Gorden Tallis grilling Brisbane CEO Dave Donaghy recently about the contentious move. Maguire has come under fire over Brisbane's patchy form in 2025 but he has turned things around in recent weeks, with the Broncos claiming three-straight wins to jump into fifth on the ladder. RELATED: Cleary calls for NRL to make big change after issue that dudded Panthers Teammate follows Cobbo out of Broncos as Roosters lose star's brother Toby Sexton in $1 million club switch to replace premiership hero Before their great escape against the Sharks in round 16 though, Brisbane were actually travelling worse under Maguire than at the same stage the previous year under Walters. And Donaghy's response to a question about whether it was the right call to sack Walters, didn't go down too well with Tallis. "We made an incredibly difficult decision, and that's the reality of it," Donaghy said on Triple M. "Kevvie is a great of our club and he put his heart and soul into the place for four years." Tallis interjected to take issue with the 'four years' reference, considering Walters has been a huge part of the club for more than 30 years, since making his playing debut in 1990. Donaghy responded: "Sorry Gordie, 30 years. He did four years as the coach and did a wonderful job and was there for a long, long time. We want to ensure we're acknowledging that and recognising that. But we did feel it was time for a change and we do feel like it was the right decision."
