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Croft not finished as NRL player: Walters

3 minute read

Brisbane coach Kevin Walters says Brodie Croft can one day return to the NRL a far better halfback after the out-of-favour Broncos No.7 signed with Salford.

BRODIE CROFT.
BRODIE CROFT. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Kevin Walters has backed Brodie Croft's move to England as a chance to get his career back on track, insistent the half's days in the NRL aren't over.

Croft's release to head to Salford at the end of the year is the latest in several departures from Brisbane, with Walters finally feeling as if the roster is his own.

Brisbane have let Dale Copley, Tom Dearden, Matthew Lodge, Tevita Pangai and Reece Walsh all go mid-season, while Xavier Coates and Anthony Milford will also leave at year's end.

But it is the case of Croft which is one of the most puzzling, after the 24-year-old was seen as Cooper Cronk's long-term replacement in Melbourne in 2018.

Walters on Thursday claimed there had been unfair media pressure on the half since the beginning of his career which included two years in and out of the Broncos' top side.

"I think it was the best move for Brodie," Walters said.

"There's been a lot of pressure unfairly on Brodie since his arrival here two years ago.

"He hasn't, for whatever reason, been able to play the football that he's capable of.

"We've seen it in the past with other players when they go to England they rejuvenate their career, and then come back in the NRL.

"So that's what I see in the future for Brodie."

Croft's exit coincides with Adam Reynolds arriving at No.7 next year, while Kurt Capewell and Brenko Lee are also signed on.

Prop Keenan Palasia also signed a one-year extension this week, while the Broncos are also in the market for another experienced prop to assist Payne Haas.

Albert Kelly is also on the verge of signing a new deal, with Brisbane having put a focus on players suited to the six-again era of football.

"It certainly is (feeling like my roster)," Walters said.

"We're very happy with the signings that we've done to date. We've still got a few more to go. But I feel the club is moving since the reset in the right direction."

Milford isn't done yet in a Broncos jersey, promoted from the reserves to the bench after Corey Paix's late injury.

David Mead will also Herbie Farnworth after he was unable to complete training.

The Broncos have also recalled Coates, having not played the State of Origin winger for six weeks after he signed with Melbourne for next year.

Walters danced around why he hadn't played the 20-year-old in recent weeks, other than to claim Coates understood the club's position.

"He has been knocking on the door for several weeks," Walters said.

"He's been a little bit up and down, particularly early but he settled the last couple of weeks."

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