Fans disagree on Billy Walters amid big Broncos contract update

Brisbane Broncos utility star Billy Walters is edging closer to a return to NRL action, and it has sparked a debate over what the club should do with the fan favourite.

Walters suffered an agonising ACL injury in the Broncos‘ impressive Finals win over the Canberra Raiders last year, and was unable to take the field in the Grand Final as the Premiership was secured thanks to victory over Melbourne Storm.

The 32-year-old reached new levels of appreciation from Brisbane fans last year during the run to the Grand Final.

But since he last played for Brisbane, the club have gone on a journey towards the depths of despair. Just five wins from their opening 15 games leaves the Broncos pretty much done and dusted in the race for the Finals.

The positive news at least comes in the form of Walters’ return to action in the Queensland Cup at the back end of last month.

He played around 60 minutes at scrum half and scored a try. Interestingly, he didn’t have strapping on his knee and moved smoothly around the field.

Broncos fans engage in Billy Walters debate

Walters is not included in the squad to face the Cronulla Sharks this weekend as he continues his recovery, but posed the question of whether he should start when fully fit; Broncos fans had some interesting responses.

Michael Coleman: 6, 9 or 14. Doesn’t necessarily have to start. Don’t rush him back; we can’t afford him to go down again. Save him for the Penrith game or the one after.

Sue Pryor: He is a player that can help turn a game but don’t risk a return too soon!

Anna Rich: Yes Billy! Off the bench. To start with.

Ian Ronald Macnamara: Fully fit, he is a starter. Every game but the rest of the team needs to stand up, make the tackles & make them count, back up when a break is made, chase the kicks instead of walking or just watching it.

Danny Lynch: Of course, Billy should play when fully match-fit & game-hardened. After an injury as he has suffered, it would normally take a couple of games in QCup to build some confidence, match fitness & feel that his knee is ready for the rigours of NRL.

Ian Mcgoo: Yes, I reckon he should once he is fit enough to play for the Brisbane Broncos again.

Aaron Painter: I’d have him in the 6.

Peter McPaul: Absolutely 💯 % but off the bench and perhaps only for 40 minutes to get started on match fitness.

Ammiel Cornes: I think Bill is better than Paix when fit, so he should be the 9.

Walters gives big Broncos contract verdict

The fitness updates on Walters come amid the contract situation hanging over his head. Currently out of contract at the end of the 2026 season, Walters is unsure of his future, but he has been offered a new deal.

“The Broncos are keen to keep me; they’ve said that,” Walters said. “I love the Broncos. I loved them growing up, and it’s such a great club.

“I’d love to stay at the Broncos, but with the salary cap and the amount of young hookers that are coming through, we’ve got to make sure it works for everyone.

“As much as I would love to stay, sometimes you get squeezed out. It’s a business, and sometimes these things happen.

“I’ll definitely put my hand up to try and stay for as long as I can, and hopefully we can sort it out.

“They’ve offered a contract. We’re still talking, and I’m trying not to let it worry me. That’s what managers are for – you pay them the big bucks so they can solve that without you having to stress.”