"He's in the mix, and what we like is his general demeanour and how he's across everything in attack and defence,'' Walters told the Herald.

"He's only young and we're mindful of that.

"I had a good chat with him a couple of weeks ago, just about his footy and how he's going. Origin is down the track for him at the minute, as it is for everyone – there are still 10 weeks of footy and then finals – so we'll see how he's sitting after that.

"I believe the Tigers will get into the eight, and that will be good for him as well in his first year there.''

Walters was glad to see Billy extend his stay at the Tigers, where he continues to learn under Michael Maguire.

Maguire and Walters both missed out on the Broncos' top post in favour of Anthony Seibold. Maguire hasn't spoken to Seibold since he replaced him at Souths, while Walters never expected to be contacted once Seibold and the Broncos plunged into a decent mid-season slump.

Billy backed Grant for higher honours while backing himself to try to make the five-eighth role his own. Walters started the year at dummy-half, but is more comfortable at five-eighth and spent a lot of time in the Melbourne system with Broncos halfback Brodie Croft.

Maguire informed Walters on Monday morning he would be in the halves with Benji Marshall after Luke Brooks was axed.

"I had an option in my favour for next year, which I've taken up, and while it was disappointing not being picked, I love this club, I think we'll grow into a dominant team and I want to be around for that,'' Walters said.

"I also knew there was a good opportunity next year to try and hold down a spot.''

Walters knows for all their struggles, the Broncos have the ability to put the best teams away on their night.

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"It's the Brisbane Broncos, and when they're on they're one of the best teams in the comp,'' Walters said.

"We need to make sure we're ready. I played lot of football with Brodie Croft the last few years and know how good he can be. And Anthony Milford has played Origin and can be one of the most electrifying halves in the comp when he wants to be.

"They are only one game from flicking the switch and being one of the dominant teams again. We'll be ready if they do try and turn it on.''