Adam Reynolds insists he has no hard feelings towards South Sydney after his three-year NRL deal with Brisbane was made official.
The South Sydney halfback will be 31 and entering an 11th NRL season when he begins on a three-year deal at the Broncos next year, tasked with piloting the revival of last year's wooden spooners in Walters' second season in charge.
The coach doesn't view the long-term deal as a risk despite Reynolds' age, offering a frank admission that could have stung contracted playmakers Brodie Croft, Tom Dearden and latest No.7 option Tyson Gamble.
"It's very exciting for the club; we've been chasing a player, well the club hasn't had a playmaker of his class and ability for some time, since Ben Hunt left here (in 2017)," Walters said.
"He brings a lot of experience, composure in big situations, his goal kicking, general kicking, passing game, just a typical, great halfback," Walters said.
"We've had a good look at his mind and his body; he's in good shape, looks after himself and there's no problems there whatsoever."
Reynolds' future had been a point of contention for three months since the premiership-winning halfback revealed his frustration at the Rabbitohs refusing to offer him more than a one-year deal.
"I completely understand Souths' position with the salary cap and the club understands that I've made a decision for my family and our future," the 30-year-old Reynolds said via a statement.
Cronulla were the early favourites to snare the 214-game playmaker before Brisbane swooped.
Reynolds' signature is key to Walters' squad rebuild after the departures from Red Hill in recent times of highly-touted products Sam Walker (Sydney Roosters), David Fifita (Gold Coast) and Reece Walsh (Warriors), and the impending exits of Xavier Coates (Melbourne) and Dearden (North Queensland) at the end of this season.
It follows the retention of strike centre Kotoni Staggs, who could be tried in the halves with the new recruit next season.
"I keep saying that we have a terrific core group of committed players and the future is bright, and Adam deciding to buy into that future is a real endorsement of where our club is headed," Walters said.
"That's never been a concern of mine; I realise how big and powerful our club can be and we need to get back to where the club belongs.
"We've done our background on him ... he's a good family man, good values and the type of player that fits the mould we're looking for at our club."
Walters was reluctant to discuss the future of off-contract five-eighth Anthony Milford, who was on a deal worth about $1 million a season and has been dropped already this season, but insists he can still play his way into a new deal.