Funny story: Ex broncos coach Kevin Walters warns Michael Maguire against using one option to replace injured Broncos halves” knowing fully well how tough it was while in that position.“The Broncos need someone who is more of a “genuine” Walters continues…see details 

Funny story: Ex broncos coach Kevin Walters warns Michael Maguire against using one option to replace injured Broncos halves” knowing fully well how tough it was while in that position.“The Broncos need someone who is more of a “genuine” Walters continues…see details 

 

 

With both Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam sidelined, Brisbane coach Kevin Walters has weighed in on possible replacements in the Broncos’ halves. Walters believes Michael Maguire should avoid persisting with Kotoni Staggs at five-eighth.

Reynolds and Mam suffered hamstring injuries on the same play against the Melbourne Storm on Thursday night, leaving the side in a bind. Reynolds is expected to be out for about a month, while there are fears Mam’s season could be over.

Ben Hunt is tipped to fill one of the vacant halves spots, but who will partner him remains unclear. Staggs moved from centre to five-eighth during Thursday’s game after the injuries, and Maguire could keep him there for the crucial clash with the Dolphins on Saturday night.

But the coach also has a number of specialist halves who could fill the void. Jock Madden and Josh Rogers have plenty of first-grade experience, while Billy Walters is usually a hooker but has played in the halves before. The Broncos also have young gun Coby Black waiting in the wings, but club legend Darren Lockyer cautioned against picking the 19-year-old.

According to Kevin Walters, Maguire is better served playing Staggs in the centres. And the former coach reckons it might be son Billy at No.6 with Hunt at halfback.

“I feel like Kotoni is better in the centres,” Walters said on Fox League. “The Broncos need someone who is more of a genuine six. Kotoni did a good job the other night but his asset is his running and power game and that’s best served in the centres. Billy is an option for them at six.”

Billy Walters comfortable playing in halves

Billy played five-eighth at the Wests Tigers, but has played more hooker at the Broncos. “I trained probably 50-50 in the halves in pre-season,” he said earlier this year. “Something me and Madge spoke about in pre-season was that I hadn’t trained too much at six, so I got some reps in there and dusted off the cobwebs.

“It’s something different. It helps me prove my point of my versatility and how valuable I can be to the team if a half was to go down. If something were to happen to ‘Reyno’ or Ezra, Madge needs me in the halves to play a role.”