It’s difficult to try to remain impartial when describing your own flesh and blood – and Broncos coach Kevin Walters could barely hide his excitement when speaking about the chance to coach his son Billy in Brisbane’s season opener on Friday.
The 28-year-old played 10 first-grade games across the past three seasons, before returning to Brisbane during the off-season.
“I’m really excited for Bill. He’s been around a bit with his footy down at Melbourne and then at the Tigers and got some serious injuries there at the Tigers with his knee, but he’s back in Brisbane and he’s always wanted to play for the Broncos,” Walters said on 2GB’s Wide World of Sports radio.
READ MORE: What Ricky Ponting wishes he told Shane Warne
READ MORE: Bill Lawry remembers Shane Warne, pays tribute to Rod Marsh
READ MORE: Judo federation removes titles from Vladimir Putin
“I’ve got some great photos at home of Wayne Bennett addressing the team with Billy in the circle as a four- or a five-year-old kid, so it’s great for Billy to finally get that opportunity here at the Broncos.
“I know he won’t let anyone down, particularly his father and his family and everyone there that’s supporting him.”
Walters will be partnered not by star off-season recruit Adam Reynolds, but by Albert Kelly, with the former still feeling the effects of his recent COVID-19 case.
Reynolds tested positive last week and passed the NRL’s return-to-play protocols, but will not feature.
The coach said there was a temptation to bring Reynolds back for the clash with his former club.
“There was, but we don’t want to put too much pressure on Adam,” he said.
Walters wanted to give his halfback as much time as he needed to recover from the coronavirus.
“I’ve had it myself and it does knock you around.”
Brisbane, who improved after a disastrous 2020 but were still comfortably off the pace, will go into the match against last year’s beaten grand finallists as firm outsiders.
“We just need Bill to go out there and play the football I know he’s capable of. We’ve got a lot of faith in Billy, especially his defence,” Walters said.
Walters described his son as a “footballer’s footballer” with a great read of the game.
“As long as he gets his defence right he’ll have his work cut out for him on that left-hand side for the Broncs.
“If he can get that right, and I’m sure he will, he’ll be in for a big performance, and a proud performance, as well.”