NRL 2024: Blaze Mozer ready for first grade recall with Billy Walters doubtful for Magic Round

Broncos young gun Blake Mozer is preparing for the first grade recall from Kevin Walters for Magic Round, adding further intrigue to his future at the club.

Blake Mozer, Brisbane Broncos training, Red Hill. Picture: Liam Kidston

Broncos whiz kid Blake Mozer is on standby for a first grade recall which could add further intrigue to major decisions looming on his long-term radar.

Hooker Mozer, 20, is likely to be chosen behind Tyson Smoothy and ahead of rival rake Cory Paix if Billy Walters does not recover from a wrist injury for Friday’s Magic Round match against Manly at Suncorp Stadium.

Walters wore the “no contact’’ red bib at Monday’s training and is considered a 50-50 chance of playing. A final decision will be made on Tuesday morning.

State of Origin forward Scott Sattler once compared Mozer’s potential to the great Cameron Smith and he has been dubbed a player of the future throughout his junior career.

Mozer, who has been in excellent form for Souths Logan, has played just one first grade game but is contracted until the end of next season. He will be allowed to negotiate with other clubs after November 1.

Walters, son of head coach Kevin, has been a revelation in the hooking role and has steadily improved by the season to the point where he recently signed a two-year extension to the end of the 2026 season.

Blake Mozer could be set for a recall to the Broncos NRL side. Picture: Liam Kidston

With Walters entrenched at the club and Smoothy also ahead of him at this stage Mozer can decide in November whether he wants to stay at the club and work his way to the top or move at the end of his deal.

If he is as good as people say he is, and he proves that this season, there is certain to be rival clubs offering him a smooth passage to first grade.

This much is certain. He is up for the challenge.

“As soon as Bill got injured on the weekend he had already texted Bill seeing if he was OK for (Manly),’’ winger Deine Mariner said. “He is pretty keen to see what is the go.

Blake Mozer, Brisbane Broncos training, Red Hill. Picture: Liam Kidston

“Blake is a good friend of mine and has been playing really good footy for Souths-Logan the last couple of weeks.

“I think he knows he is ready to step up if he has to this week. That is something good about him. He is always ready for the next challenge and I will be keen to see what happens this week.

“He is a bit taller than the normal hooker and really good at his running game and getting the middles where they need to be. That is something he can bring to the team.’’

Billy Walters is in doubt for Magic Round. Picture: NRL Imagery

The Broncos side is likely to feature the return of halfback Jock Madden in place of Josh Rogers who played soundly against Parramatta.

Meanwhile, Broncos forward Brendan Piakura will enhance his chances of gaining a “work experience’’ spot in Queensland’s first State of Origin team of the team if he shines against Manly.

Piakura had a quiet game against Parramatta last week but the Queensland selectors are watching him closely feeling he could soon become an Origin hitman.

He will not be chosen in the 17 for the first game but the selectors are considering making him 18th or 19th man with a view to having him sample the Origin camp before he is chosen an official squad.

The fact that Piakura can play centre as well helps his chances of being eventually slotted into the squad in a bench role.

Originally published as NRL 2024: Blaze Mozer ready for first grade recall with Billy Walters doubtful for Magic Round