Walters urges Mozer to be patient, NRL chance will come

Kevin Walters insists highly rated hooker Blake Mozer has a long-term future at the club and has urged the teenager to be patient and wait for his NRL opportunity.

The former Queensland under-19s rake is signed until the end of 2025 and has been plying his trade for Souths-Logan in the Queensland Cup, for whom he lined up in 18 games last year.

The Broncos currently have four hookers in their top 30.

First choice No.9 Billy Walters is on the cusp of finalising a two-year extension to the end of 2026, while bench hooker Tyson Smoothy is signed through 2025, as is Cory Paix who is shining for Wynnum-Manly.

Mozer, who turns 20 next week, is regarded as a potential future representative hooker, and Broncos coach Walters was on Friday asked if he expected the youngster to wait around for his chance to play NRL.

“Patience is a virtue,” Walters said.

“You need to be patient in life, and particularly in rugby league. If you are in a hurry to get somewhere in rugby league it often doesn’t work out for you.

“He is in Queensland Cup and he is doing some good things, but there are parts of his game he needs to work really hard on – which he is.

“We have got no complaints about what he is doing or how he is going about it.”

Mozer – who has played one NRL game – has been striking up excellent combinations in the second tier, Walters said, adding that the club has “excellent depth” in the hooking space.

“At the moment, Billy and Tyson have a mortgage on those two positions,” Walters said.

“Billy and Tyson are playing well, but we see Blake as a long-term player here.

“He is still honing his skills in the Queensland Cup. He is building some good relationships at that level which is going to help him when he does get his chance.

“I expect him to play in the NRL this year. I have no hesitation with him playing in our team.”

Walters’s son Billy has revitalised his career at the Broncos since joining the club in 2022 from Wests Tigers, who he will play against in Campbelltown on Saturday night.

Billy Walters is the current first choice No.9 at the Broncos. (Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS)

“Billy has fought hard to get every bit of his NRL career,” Walters said.

“Some players come in and get everything at their feet, but he’s had to fight really hard.

“That’s a proud dad moment, but also a proud Broncos moment.

“He is playing good football for us and really improving each week. Whilst he continues to do that, he will be a proud son.

“Last weekend he was very good for us and we’re expecting the same against the Tigers.”