Brisbane Broncos hooker Billy Walters made his triumphant return to the field over the weekend through reserve-grade, after spending nearly 300 days on the sidelines.

Back to full fitness after recovering from a ruptured ACL, Walters – who was ruled out of last year’s grand final – helped guide the Souths Logan Magpies to a six-point victory against the North Devils in the QLD Cup.

Spending 60 minutes on the field, Walters made an immediate impact in his return.

This saw him cross for a try, set up a line-break, run for 77 metres and make 18 tackles in an all-round performance in the halves.

“It’s actually looking pretty good at the moment (My ACL),” Walters told News Corp on the weekend.

“I’m sure I’ll be pretty sore tomorrow. That was the first time doing full contact for 60 minutes (in a long while).

“But at the moment it’s feeling pretty good and it was just a great day. It was a good game of footy.”

Billy Walters.Source: News Corp Australia

The impressive showing has put him firmly in contention for a return to the NRL as early as this week.

This is due to the Broncos missing several key players through injury, while the superstar trio of Patrick Carrigan, Payne Haas and Reece Walsh will be unavailable due to Origin commitments.

“I suppose that’s a chat to have with Madge,” Walters added.

“If he needs me or wants me in there, I’ll gladly put my hand up.

“But I’m also happy building my game down here if that’s what he thinks is best. We’ll just take it week by week.”

Madge SHUTS DOWN season over talk | 06:31

CONTI MASTERCLASS CONTINUES

One week after committing his future to the club, Canterbury Bulldogs half Alex Conti has delivered yet another masterclass in NSW Cup as he moves one step closer to making his NRL debut.

Fresh off signing a new three-year contract extension with the Belmore-based outfit, the talented playmaker was instrumental in the Bulldogs’ emphatic 54-point win (64-10) over the Manly Sea Eagles.

Once again showcasing his composure, game management and natural ability, the former Tigers had two try assists, two line-breaks, four line-break assists and crossed for three tries to go with 161 running metres.

Conti wasn’t the only standout in the contest as his halves partner Sean O’Sullivan, who was a late inclusion into the side, had five try assists and nearly had a hand in all of the club’s 11 tries.

The victory now puts them within two wins of the top-five with just nine rounds remaining in the competition before finals begin.

Alex Conti.Source: Supplied

COWBOY STOOD DOWN

There was some controversy in the QLD Cup over the weekend, with North Queensland Cowboys rookie Mason Barber stood down by the club.

Named to play for the Mackay Cutters against the Central Queensland Capras, Barber was nowhere to be seen on the weekend.

While the reasons behind it have yet to be confirmed, it is understood that the highly-rated youngster missed the team’s flight and was subsequently omitted from the squad.

With no Barber, the Cutters ended up losing to the Capras by 39-points (51-12) with Dolphins-contracted forward John Fineanganofo crossing for a hat-trick and registering 125 metres and two line-breaks.

Mason Barber.Source: Supplied

DRAGONS END PANTHERS WINNING STREAK

A scintillating outing from the St George Illawarra Dragons in the NSW Cup has seen them snap the Penrith Panthers’ winning streak en route to handing the competition heavyweights just their second defeat of the 2026 season.

In a statement victory, the Dragons were outstanding across the park throughout the entire 80 minutes, with winger Toby Rumble leading the charge in the dominant display.

Not only did Rumble cross for a try and have three line-breaks, but he also led the total run metres count with 270.

Winger Toby Rumble was the standout performer for the Red V, while fullback Tyler Peckham-Harris, outside backs Christian Tuipulotu and Nathan Lawson and forward Dylan Coutts

Meanwhile, Tyler Peckham-Harris was influential from the back, while outside backs Christian Tuipulotu and Nathan Lawson provided a consistent threat when they had the ball in their hands.

And, up front, Dylan Coutts laid the groundwork with a tireless effort through the middle, which included one try, two line-breaks, 95 running metres and one try assist.