Billy Walters’ future with the Brisbane Broncos has been confirmed, signing a two-year deal that secures the club’s spine for the foreseeable future.
The crafty hooker will remain at Red Hill until the end of 2026, joining Adam Reynolds (2025) and his potential successor Jock Madden (2026) as well as five-eighth Ezra Mam (2029).
Billy Walters celebrates scoring for the Brisbane Broncos against the North Queensland Cowboys.Credit: Getty Images
Fullback Reece Walsh (2025) is also reportedly deep into extension negotiations, and with star forwards Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan signed until the end of 2026 and 2028 respectively, the foundation for future success has been locked in.
Walters’ latest deal – having played 35 of a possible 36 games since the start of 2023 – follows reports edge forward Jack Gosiewski was set to arrive at Red Hill, after being granted a release from the North Queensland Cowboys for personal reasons.
“I’m super stoked to stay,” Walters said. “I didn’t want to go anywhere else and the club was happy to keep me, so it’s a good result.
“I love playing here, the Broncos are the greatest club in the NRL, and I’m really grateful that they wanted to keep me around.”
Walters was the last man of the spine contingent left standing in the Broncos’ 34-10 win over Wests Tigers on Saturday, with the remaining quartet all either sidelined before kick-off or forced from the field early.
Walsh and Reynolds were both given early showers. Coach Kevin Walters confirmed the pair had cramping issues and they would be available for Friday’s battle with the Sydney Roosters.
But Mam was no certainty to return from a hand concern suffered against the Raiders, and a pectoral problem to his replacement Madden has thrown further chaos into an injury-plagued campaign.
Madden looked ominous in what was his first chance to play alongside Reynolds, scoring his first two tries as a Bronco before being taken off an hour into the contest.
Jock Madden scored his first two tries as a Brisbane Bronco on Saturday night, before leaving the field with a pec injury.Credit: Getty
His brace came the same day Coby Black — tussling with him to be Reynolds’ heir apparent – scored 46 points in the Burleigh Bears’ 130-0 win over the Wide Bay Bulls in the Mal Meninga Cup under-19s competition.
Brisbane assistant coach Lee Briers confirmed Madden would receive scans this week.
Mam, as well as fellow injured star Selwyn Cobbo, will take part in training on Tuesday to prove their fitness.
Should both Mam and Madden fail to recover, it could open the door for Tristan Sailor to return in the No.6 jumper, having previously been used as fullback cover for Walsh or a super sub.
“Ezra and Selwyn have stayed in Brisbane to do the rehab, last I heard they were running OK,” Briers said.
“If we need to bring someone in, what will be, will be – we’ve got a wonderful squad with people who can play numerous positions.”
