Kevin Walters' huge call on Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam amid Selwyn Cobbo switch
The future of Brisbane's star pair has been the focus of much discussion for weeks.
Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters has reiterated his desire to sort the futures of stars Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam, while signalling a positional shift for Selwyn Cobbo in 2024. The Broncos welcomed media back to their Red Hill training base on Monday, with the futures of Walsh and Mam among a number of topics of interest for the Broncos mentor.
Mam has shot to superstardom over the last two seasons and scored three blistering tries in the Broncos' loss to the Panthers in the NRL grand final, while Walsh cemented his spot as Queensland's State of Origin fullback in the best year of the 21-year-old's career to date. Both men are set to earn themselves significant contract upgrades as the Broncos look to shore up the core of their team for years to come.
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Despite being two of the NRL's brightest stars, Mam pocketed just $250,000 in 2023, with Walsh only on around $450,000. Both are set for massive upgrades to their contracts, with Mam reportedly close to agreeing a deal worth around $750,000 per year, while a new deal for Walsh is likely to be upwards of $1 million per season.
Mam has attracted interest from a number of rival clubs with Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett among those to confess his admiration for the No.6. Speaking to reporters on Monday, however, Walters said he firmly believed Mam and Walsh's futures lay in Brisbane and even joked that he'd let them move in with his family if it helped get the deal done.
I’m very confident he’ll stay," Walters said about Mam. "He loves the place here and we love him here. We’re working very hard to get Ezra a deal where he’s comfortable, which I’m sure we can do.
“We do see Ezra and Walshy (Reece) as long-term players here. They can move in if they want. My place. Wherever.” There had been concerns the Broncos might not be able to afford to keep both of their young stars, however the release of Kurt Capewell to the Warriors and pay cuts for veterans Adam Reynolds and Corey Oates look to have eased some of the financial burdens.
Selwyn Cobbo set to play centre in 2024
Walters also confirmed on Monday that Origin winger Cobbo would be shifted to the centres in 2024, following the departure of Herbie Fanrworth to the Dolphins. "The plan is to move him in from the wing, Selwyn (Cobbo) is a bit more natural in the centres and so far he’s been really good there," Walters said.
“I guess we’ll find out more when we start playing and he’s going to have to play like a centre. Selwyn is still only young, his fitness and strength will get better as the year goes on.
"But it’s his footy I.Q. that’s very good. He’s a very intelligent player and he’ll be a good asset for us defensively by the way he reads the attack."
Walters will also need to replace Maroons and Australian prop Thomas Flegler, who will be joining Farnworth at the Dolphins in a new-look side for Bennett's men in 2024. Xavier Willison is in the mix to replace Flegler after shining in his rookie season before a syndesmosis injury, while veteran prop Martin Taupau and Corey Jensen will also be in contention. The Broncos kick off their NRL season in Las Vegas on March 3 against the Sydney Roosters.
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