NRL 2023: Kevin Walters still undecided on Broncos’ No.9 jersey, Reynolds return revealed

Kevin Walters is trying to fit four into nine declaring the race to be the Broncos starting hooker wide open - have your say on who should win the job.

Adam Reynolds has been ruled out of Brisbane’s trial match. Picture: John Gass

Brisbane coach Kevin Walters says the No.9 jumper is up for grabs as he prepares to unleash teenage hooking sensation Blake Mozer in the four-way battle of Brisbane’s rakes.

Mozer is rated Queensland’s most exciting hooking prospect since Cameron Smith and the 18-year-old will make his senior Broncos debut in Saturday night’s final pre-season trial against the Cowboys.

Such is his talent, Mozer trained with Brisbane’s top squad 12 months ago as a 17-year-old and he steered Souths Logan to Mal Meninga Cup glory last season on his way to Queensland under-19s selection.

Now the classy rake gets his chance to impress in the big league, with Mozer named on an extended bench for the Broncos’ Pre-Season Challenge derby clash against the Cowboys at Sunshine Coast Stadium.

The Broncos will unleash Blake Mozer in their final trial match against the Cowboys. Picture: Getty Images.

While Mozer is unlikely to see too much NRL action this year, he is considered Brisbane’s next superstar hooker and that puts pressure on Cory Paix, Billy Walters and Tyson Smoothy to deliver around the rucks.

Paix started at hooker in last week’s 24-all draw with the Titans, while Walters came off the bench. The duo will switch roles for the Cowboys clash, with Walters to start at hooker, Paix to operate as the No.14 supersub and Mozer to be blooded in jumper No.21.

Paix appears to have the edge for round one, but Walters challenged his hookers to make a decisive move to clinch the No.9 jumper for Brisbane’s premiership opener against Penrith on March 3.

“No-one really jumped out of the ground at hooker,” Walters said following last Sunday’s stalemate with the Titans.

“That’s one of the jumpers that is wide open at this stage.

“We need a little bit of creativity out of dummy half from our nines and it’s another area they have been working hard.

“It’s horses for courses, there is not much between all three of them (Paix, Walters and Smoothy).

“When you play hooker, it’s not so much about the individual plays, but being a team player and that’s what we are looking for as well.

“All the guys are highly talented and I’m happy with the progress they have made. The trials are an opportunity for them to showcase their skills and push forward as individuals.”

While Billy Walters wore the No.9 jersey for most of 2022. Picture: Getty Images.

Mozer started last season on a development deal, but wary of poaching threats, the Broncos have upgraded the former Keebra Park High skipper, who inked a new contract until the end of 2025.

Like 430-game NRL legend Smith, Mozer is tall for a hooker. He stands 183cm - the same height as the Storm icon - and plays with the same guile, vision and composure at dummy half that saw Smith become peerless in his craft.

Mozer is tipped to make his NRL debut this year and the teenager says he has studied footage of Smith as he patiently bides his time at the Broncos.

“Cam Smith has always been my hero,” Mozer told News Corp last season.

“If I had to choose someone from the Broncos, I would say Darren Lockyer, but being a hooker, I loved watching Cam Smith.

“I liked the fact he wasn’t the fastest player, but he didn’t have to use speed or strength to get the better of his opponents.

“He just used his brain and his knowledge of the game and that’s how I like to play my footy, I like to out-think the opposition.

“I see my future at the Broncos. I would love to debut for the Broncos (this year) and hopefully spend my entire career with the club.”

INJURED REYNOLDS REVEALS BRONCOS RETURN

Champion Broncos halfback Adam Reynolds has declared himself a certain starter for Brisbane’s premiership opener despite injury wiping out his pre-season for the second consecutive year.

Just 24 hours after star fullback Reece Walsh was ruled out of Brisbane’s final pre-season trial against the Cowboys with a fractured eye socket, Reynolds joined him in the casualty ward for the derby clash at Sunshine Coast Stadium.

After sitting out Brisbane’s opening two trials, Reynolds was keen to clear some rust against the Cowboys and he ran strongly at training on Tuesday, only for his lower back to seize up on Wednesday morning.

It is the second consecutive season Reynolds has failed to appear in the trials after the 32-year-old veteran missed the entire 2022 pre-season with “general soreness” in his maiden summer at the Broncos.

Adam Reynolds has been ruled out of Brisbane’s trial match. Picture: John Gass

Reynolds then missed the Broncos’ round 1 clash against his former club Souths last year due to Covid, but the skipper is adamant he will be on deck for Brisbane’s season opener against Penrith on Friday, March 3.

“I’m good to go,” Reynolds told News Corp.

“I’ve got some nerve pain in my back but there’s no damage.

“The pre-season has gone well and my body is feeling fine overall.

“I won’t require any treatment to play in round 1.”

The skipper’s words will come as a relief for Broncos coach Kevin Walters, who needs his dynamic duo of Reynolds and Walsh on the park for as many games as possible this season to put Brisbane in finals contention.

Reynolds could have played against the Cowboys, but Walters is taking a no-risk approach with his most important player to ensure he is fit and firing for the showdown with the premiers at Penrith’s BlueBet Stadium.

Reynolds insists he will be fit and ready to go for the Broncos in Round 1. Picture: Getty Images.

“Adam ran well (on Tuesday) including some extras but was a bit tight in his back (the next morning),” the coach said.

“We want him cherry ripe for round 1.

“He’s moving really well after a big pre-season, so there’s no use taking a risk with him in a trial game in these circumstances.”

Broncos vice-captain Kurt Capewell is confident Reynolds’ battle-weary frame can survive the rigours of his 12th NRL campaign.

“He is getting a bit old,” Capewell said with a wry grin.

“’Reyno’ seemed to train OK, but he must have pulled up a bit stiff the next morning.

“I don’t think it’s (a concern). He is a pretty experienced player and as good as it would be to have him there, he is hardly going to miss much of the season hopefully.”

The absence of Reynolds opens the door for Wests Tigers import Jock Madden, who will make his Broncos debut alongside Ezra Mam in the halves, with Josh Rogers added to the interchange bench.

“Jock has taken to the role really well since he got here,” Capewell said.

“He has learnt from Reyno and I am excited to be playing with him.

“Jock is a real livewire, he is fast-footed and he controls his edge really well at training.

“I’m excited to see how he goes.”

Originally published as NRL 2023: Kevin Walters still undecided on Broncos’ No.9 jersey, Reynolds return revealed