Five-time premiership legend Kevin Walters will return to the NRMA Insurance Broncos as an assistant coach.

Walters, who played 271 games for the club, will join Jason Demetriou as Wayne Bennett’s deputies for the 2018 season.

It will be Walters’ third stint as an assistant coach at the Broncos, his most recent in 2015 when he helped lead the club to the Grand Final.

The confirmation of Walters’ new two-deal with the Broncos coincides with his reappointment as coach of the Queensland State of Origin team until 2020.

Broncos CEO Paul White said the return of Walters would provide a wealth of experience, knowledge and character to the Club.

“Kevin is Bronco through-and-through - he personifies everything we want in our Club and he will serve as a great mentor to our playing group,” said White.

“You can see by his efforts as Maroons coach over the past two years that he has developed as a leader and a teacher, and we think he will bring a lot to our football operation.

“Working with Wayne and Jason (Demetriou), we believe we will have a coaching set up that will give our players a great foundation to develop and improve. We should really benefit from that in 2018.”

Walters said he could not wait to get started back at the Broncos.

“I’m really excited to be coming back to work with the coaching staff & players at Red Hill - it’s something that is part of me and I’ve really missed it,” he said.

“The group of players we have heading into 2018 possess a heap of talent and I’m looking forward to working with them.”

Bennett said: “Kevin brought a lot to us the last time he was here. He knows the game really well, he has been a long-term coach and he is one of our great players.

“He brings a lot that way, all his confidence and beliefs. He has a lot of belief in himself and that rubs off on the players.

“He is just good to have around the place, he makes the club enjoyable, and it’s good he is coming back.”