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Joel Gould

Walters recruits Tallis to inspire Broncos for big test

Kevin Walters has embraced the contribution of ex-players as he plots a Broncos finals challenge. (Jason O'BRIEN/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Brisbane coach Kevin Walters has invited former captain Gorden Tallis to give an inspirational speech to his players ahead of their away NRL round-one showdown with Penrith.

Tallis spoke to the players before training on Thursday and was seen mingling with the group.

The Broncos also invited founding club director Barry Maranta to come in and talk to their staff.

Walters has welcomed the club's former players with open arms after some of them felt excluded prior to his appointment at the end of the 2020 season .

The Brisbane Broncos Old Boys are an influential organisation and Tallis, who won three premierships at the club, is an inspirational figure with a track record of speaking from the heart.

"Gorden is a former club captain here and he spoke about being a Bronco and what it means to wear the jersey," Walters said.

"He is very passionate about the club building, and he came in and spoke about his passion.

"It was lovely to get him in, and instances like this - with the game that is in front of us - he would have been a great guy to have in the side.

"We have got guys in the team now to take that baton off Gorden, guys like Patty (Pat Carrigan), Payno (Payne Haas) and Fleg (Thomas Flegler) who are ready to grab the game and go after it."

Walters won five premierships as a player and has inculcated into the group the club history so it is part of their DNA.

"But it is not about what we did (in the past). It is about this group now and what legacy they want to leave," he said.

"I am in charge of that legacy and this group will leave a legacy. There is no doubt this group has the ability and drive to do some really good things this year."

Walters also addressed media reports through the week that the club was interested in recapturing their former back-rower David Fifita from the Titans as the 23-year-old prepares to make a call on his future.

AAP has been told Fifita's manager contacted the Broncos about their interest but no offer has been tabled.

"Club policy is not to talk about contracted players so we'll leave that one for the people upstairs," Walters said, adding that as a former Brisbane player Fifita was "part of the Broncos family" and "certainly" a player they would consider if he wanted to return.

Walters said captain and halfback Adam Reynolds was "fit, firing and ready to go" after being rested from the trials with a back complaint.

"His enthusiasm throughout the week has been infectious. It is great to have him back," he said.

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