Awkward Walsh dilemma exposed by Bronco's epic record

Are the Broncos a better team without Reece Walsh and with Selwyn Cobbo at fullback in 2025? The question has to be asked in the wake of Thursday night's stunning 42-18 defeat of the premiership-leading Bulldogs. Walsh is a brilliant player at his best but has been hot-cold all season, with some of his errors costing the Broncos big time. After gifting the Warriors a golden point win last week, he was diagnosed with a knee injury that will see him sidelined for at least a month. The versatile Cobbo was shifted to fullback in his absence and was more consistent than Walsh has been, playing a key role in the Broncos' impressive stampede. Cobbo has now started three games at fullback - and the Broncos have won all three!

'Hard Reset' Walsh Needs

A few weeks back I suggested that the Broncos needed to sit Reece Walsh down and have a chat to him about not trying to do too much on the field. After Saturday night's thrilling golden point loss to the Warriors, the Broncos need to have a serious talk to Walsh again. And now he is out for at least a month with a knee injury, Walsh has the opportunity to give his football brain a hard reset. The star fullback was off his game for most of the night in Auckland and gifted the Warriors victory by putting the kick off to golden point out on the full. Luke Metcalf calmly landed the subsequent penalty from halfway and the game was over. It was an inexcusable mistake from a player who knows better and Walsh's fragile confidence has taken another knock that will take some time to recover from.

Broncos Superstar A Frustrated Young Man

Reece Walsh is one of the most talented players in the league, but has seemingly lost all confidence at the start of 2025. After making four errors last week in the loss to the Raiders, he had an absolute shocker in the 26-16 win over the Cowboys. Walsh seems to be trying too hard to make things happen - he made five errors, gave away two penalties, was placed on report and put a kick out on the full. In fairness, he did some good things, notably a 40/20 and a try assist, but the negatives far outweighed the positives and his body language was that of a frustrated young man. In a winning team, it was a worrying performance and someone needs to get inside his head and settle him down… and get him back to playing the confident, fluent football we all know he is capable of.

Reece Walsh cops crushing new blow as Raiders favourite sends emphatic message to Billy Slater

Reece Walsh's grip on his State of Origin jersey appears to be slipping after an underwhelming display in Saturday night's shock thumping by Canberra. And Raiders fan favourite Corey Horsburgh has sent another emphatic message to Maroons coach Billy Slater as his push for a recall to the Queensland side gathers steam. Walsh squandered a glorious chance to respond to rival fullback Kalyn Ponga's masterclass for Newcastle on Thursday night, that has seen calls grow for the Knights skipper to be picked in the Maroons No.1 jersey ahead of the Brisbane star. The Broncos fullback had a night to forget in the nation's capital as Ricky Stuart's Raiders gave the visitors a stark reality check. Many experts named Brisbane among the favourites to win the premiership this year after their crushing win over the Roosters in round one. But Michael Maguire's men were sent crashing back to earth by an impressive Raiders side that made it two wins from two to start the new season.Walsh was well below his best for the majority of the game after coughing up four errors, missing four tackles, and running for just 96 metres. The Broncos fullback is close to unplayable when he's on song but has a tendency to have these sorts of games every now and then and it will surely be a concern for Maroons coach Slater when it comes to picking a Queensland team to try and win back the Origin shield this year. The Brisbane No.1 failed to inject himself into the game during a very quiet first half as Canberra's pack out-muscled and out-enthused the star-studded Broncos middle forwards, led by Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan. And when Walsh did try to get more involved in the second forty, with his side trailing 16-10 at the break, the Broncos fullback was once again guilty of trying to do too much as errors and ill-discipline came back to bite Brisbane. Walsh inexplicably dropped one ball close to the tryline after breaking through Canberra's defence, before throwing a cut-out pass into touch in another poorly executed play. He also put winger Jesse Arthars - whose hat-trick gave Brisbane hope - under unnecessary pressure after taking a kick return and throwing a questionable pass to his teammate, who was subsequently bundled into touch.

Hunt pinpoints Reece Walsh issue as rivals respond to $1.4m snub

Ben Hunt has identified the need to get Reece Walsh more quality ball in better positions ahead of his arrival at the Brisbane Broncos. New coach Michael Maguire got his man this week when the 34-year-old Hunt agreed to re-join the Broncos on a two-year deal. Hunt started his career at the Broncos before leaving to join the Dragons, but is returning to where it all began in 2025. The addition of the veteran half/hooker makes the Broncos a formidable force heading into next season, with a spine of Walsh, Ezra Mam (when he returns), Adam Reynolds and Hunt enough to strike fear into any opponent. And whether Hunt is playing halfback or hooker, he's well aware that the ball he provides for Walsh will be pivotal to the Broncos' chances. “I’m really excited to be playing with a guy like Reece, he is a freakish talent with speed to burn,” Hunt told News Corp this week. “I’m looking forward to working on our game plans with ‘Reyno’ (Reynolds) because between us two old heads, we can steer the ship around and bring the best out in Reece and the rest of the side. “Reece has unleashed himself pretty well the last few years, but any way I can come in, get him more involved in the game and get him more quality ball in better positions, I think I can help him with that. We (Hunt and Reynolds) can be very beneficial for the side and I’d love to help the younger guys take their game to another level, Reece included.” Hunt has first-hand experience of how damaging Walsh can be, with the pair serving as Queensland teammates in State of Origin for the last two years. And Hunt appears well aware that the Broncos' chances might live and die on how much quality ball he can get to the dynamite fullback.

Reece Walsh's confession about Broncos young gun as $5 million star faces pressure for spot

Reece Walsh says Brisbane's own 'Latrell' will keep him honest in the years to come as the Broncos have a surplus of top young talent with their eyes set on dethroning Walsh. With the 22-year-old fullback's former deputy Tristan Sailor moving to the UK Super League in search of a regular starting role, Latrell Siegwalt has emerged as the man most likely to replace Walsh as Broncos No.1 when injury or Origin rules Walsh out. Siegwalt has been handed a train-and-trial contract by Broncos coach Michael Maguire and the Indigenous young gun has been joined by Lachie West and Hayze Perham at the club, with the trio battling it out to be Walsh's understudy. However, Walsh knows the trio won't be content with playing back-up long-term and will ultimately have their eyes set on taking his No.1 jersey. "It’s exciting, there’s some really good talent out there," Walsh told The Courier-Mail. "With ‘Tritto’ (Tristan Sailor) going to the UK, I am happy for him and I know he will go over there and kill it. He told me he will be one of the best in the comp. "There’s some good talent here. There’s Latrell, there’s Lachie West and Hayze isn’t back at training yet, but all the boys are hungry and we’ll be pushing each other. I can’t wait to learn from those guys and continue to grow and play good footy together."

Reece Walsh cops new blow as Darius Boyd becomes latest figure to quit Brisbane Broncos

The Broncos have been dealt another crushing blow, with NRL great Darius Boyd informing the club of his decision to leave Red Hill. Boyd has spent the last three seasons at Brisbane as a crucial member of the club's football department, working closely with the side's backline, in particular star fullback Reece Walsh. The former Broncos captain spent two days a week at the club's training ground as Brisbane's back-five coach and played a vital role in helping develop Walsh's game. Boyd was tasked with taking the flashy fullback through game analysis in a bid to help turn the fullback into the NRL's premier No.1. He also educated the electric fullback about line-running technique and how to best execute three-on-two overlaps - Boyd's trademark. But the Broncos will now have to find a new mentor for Walsh and their other backline stars next season after Boyd informed the club he won't be returning in 2025. News Corp reports the 337-game NRL great had grown concerned with the direction of the Broncos’ football program and had privately advised Kevin Walters of his decision to walk away a week before he was axed as Broncos coach. Boyd was a highly respected member of the Broncos' football department and was especially liked by the club's superstar fullback Walsh. After the Broncos made last year’s grand final, Walsh praised the Queensland great for crafting him into the player he is. "I am very grateful to ‘Darbs’. I wouldn’t be here doing what I am doing without him," Walsh said in the week leading up to the Broncos' 2023 grand-final defeat to Penrith. "Having him close each week and getting tips off him and picking his brain as much as I can ... he has been massive. "I wouldn’t say just this year either. Darbs came to sessions when I was at the EPD (elite player development squad) here in juniors and was teaching us three-on-twos and summing up situations." While Boyd will leave his football department role it is understood he will continue as a mental-health ambassador for the Broncos.

Billy Slater lashes out over Reece Walsh detail as Darren Lockyer highlights $5m Broncos problem

Billy Slater has hit out over the level of scrutiny and criticism that Reece Walsh receives, while Darren Lockyer has highlighted the issue created by his new $5 million contract. Walsh has reportedly agreed to a new four-year deal with the Brisbane Broncos, which will net him a cool $5 million. It means the Broncos have Walsh, Payne Haas, Patrick Carrigan and Ezra Mam all locked up on long-term deals. But Walsh and Haas will both be earning over $1 million per season from next year, while Carrigan and Mam aren't far off that mark. It means there's very little money left for teammates, and one of Selwyn Cobbo or Kotoni Staggs appear likely to have to leave the club. It also means the Broncos won't be in the market for a big-name halfback to replace Adam Reynolds, who is set to hang up the boots in the next 12 months. Sam Walker and Braydon Trindall are both set to hit the open market on November 1, and even though Walker hails from Queensland, the Broncos won't be able to make a play for him. Walker appears destined to remain at the Roosters, and the Broncos will likely have to develop a young halfback instead. "Reece, done, Ezra (extended), and Adam's (Reynolds) got another year, so there becomes a bit of focus on who will be the 7 after Adam and who will be the 9 after Billy (Walters)," Lockyer said on the QLDer podcast on Wednesday. "And I think given the enormity of Reece's deal and Ezra and Payne, you know, it's not ... you're limited to how much money you've got out there for your 7 and 9 now. "We'll just have to see who's out there and who we can develop. A young 7 coming through who's not going to demand the big money straight away is probably where it's heading but as we know, the No.7 is so important and we've got to keep one eye on who's earmarked to go there beyond Adam Reynolds and who's there (at hooker) to go beyond Billy Walters." Lockyer also predicted the Broncos would be priced out of the market for Trindall considering how well he's been playing. "He's finished the year strong," Lockyer said. "I'd be surprised if the Sharks let him go. But again, I think the Broncs are pretty keen to develop from within, so we'll just see where that lands."

Walsh agrees to 'bargain' long-term Broncos deal

Reece Walsh will extend his stay at the Broncos, with the superstar fullback agreeing to a long-term contract with the club. The 22-year-old has become one of the game's biggest names in the past two years, lighting up the NRL and State of Origin arena. Walsh was set to become a free agent in November, but according to Nine reporter Neil Breen, the speedster has agreed to a four-year $4.4 million deal. "He hasn't signed on the dotted line, but they have agreed to terms to an extension of four years … the extension is worth $4.4 million," he said. "The total deal over five years is worth $5 million … for all intents and purposes, he is a million-dollar per year player now." Walsh's new deal will undoubtedly come with increased scrutiny of his performances, especially after the Broncos missed out on the finals in 2024. But according to Andrew Johns, the contract is smart business for the club. "It's an absolute steal if he can stay on the field," he said. "Kids these days don't necessarily follow teams, they follow players." Brad Fittler backed the move as well, saying the extension is a "bargain" for the Broncos from a commercial perspective given Walsh's immense popularity. The fullback endured a tough season, dealing with injury and concussions, but his Maroons coach Billy Slater believes he will be able to bounce back. The pair have worked closely together throughout the past two Origin series and despite the negative perception, Slater spoke openly about Walsh's true character. "He's 22 years old and played 75 NRL games - the next 125 games will be with the Broncos and that will be the best period of his career," he said. "I've worked closely with Reece, he's got a great work ethic. He's a very respectful young man - he has got a perception out there that he's a bit of a larrikin and likes the limelight, but he works really hard and he loves the game of footy. "The great thing for the Broncos is that you've got this young star who wants to be a Bronco - imagine how many clubs out there would love Reece Walsh. "He could have got another 300 grand a year somewhere else, but he wants to play for the Broncos … it's a good deal all round."

Reece Walsh watches on as Broncos make unwanted history

Reece Walsh was in attendance this time, but it still couldn't help the Brisbane Broncos on Thursday night as they suffered a humiliating end to their disastrous NRL season. With their finals hopes extinguished last weekend, the Broncos were put to the sword by the Melbourne Storm in a 50-12 thrashing. Walsh made sure he was in attendance on Thursday night, but he watched on in disappointment as his side's season ended in more embarrassment. The Broncos will finish the season in 12th - their biggest fall in club history after coming second in 2023 and making the grand final. The Broncos conceded more than 600 points this season for just the third time in their history, highlighting the defensive issues Walters will need to address in the off-season. "It's just been a tough year, a disappointing year for everyone involved in the club," the coach said. "I just need some time now to fix the place up. I've got some opinions myself, but I'll keep my emotions in check just at the moment and we'll ... get our review started on Monday." The Storm made 10 line breaks in the first half alone and led 28-6 at the break. Fullback Sua Fa'alogo was on fire before picking up a hamstring injury, while winger Will Warbrick and halfback Jahrome Hughes both scored hat-tricks.

Reece Walsh's $6 million contract called into question amid dramas engulfing Brisbane Broncos

Questions have emerged about whether the Brisbane Broncos can afford to pay Reece Walsh the reported $6 million he'll get when he signs a lucrative contract extension with the club. Now that the Broncos' disastrous season is officially over, the club will look to finalise a new deal for their young fullback before he hits the open market on November 1. Walsh reportedly agreed to stay at the Broncos way back in March, but the new contract is yet to be finalised. Some have suggested Walsh has held off putting pen to paper in the hope his value would go up even more in 2024, after a breakout year last season. But 2024 has been nothing short of a disaster for Walsh and the Broncos, and it might hit him in the hip pocket. Walsh has only managed to play 14 games for Brisbane this season due to various injuries, and wasn't as dominant for Queensland in State of Origin as he was in 2023. He was knocked out in the opening minutes of Game 1 and never looked like his normal self for the rest of the series. He's missed a multitude of games for the Broncos due to injuries, but even when on the park he hasn't managed to spark his teammates the way he did on their run to the grand final last year. With the Broncos missing out on playing finals footy for the third time in the last four years, questions are now being asked about what it means for Walsh's new deal. Some have suggested his disappointing year may have diminished his value somewhat, and many don't believe the Broncos can afford to pay him the reported $1.2 million per season he's thought to be asking.

Reece Walsh decision backfires on Kevin Walters as Broncos' finals hopes go up in flames

Kevin Walters' decision to rest Reece Walsh and his State of Origin players in Round 17 against the Warriors has officially come back to haunt the Broncos coach. Brisbane saw their NRL finals hopes go up in flames on Saturday night in a 40-16 loss to the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium. After the Dragons suffered a shock loss to Parramatta on Saturday afternoon, the Broncos had a golden opportunity to jump back into the top-eight with a win over the Dolphins. But they were blown off the park by Wayne Bennett's side, and must now beat the Melbourne Storm in Round 27 to have any chance of making the playoffs. Sitting just two points outside the eight but with little chance of beating the Storm, questions have re-emerged about Walters' decision to rest his Origin players at a pivotal point in the season two months ago. The Broncos travelled to New Zealand to face the Warriors in Round 17, just three days after State of Origin 2 in Melbourne.

Surprise 'weakness' Broncos want Walsh to fix

His speed has set the NRL alight in 2024 - but the Broncos have made the stunning admission that they want Reece Walsh to actually slow down his game. Walsh is the form player in the league, tearing teams apart with his electrifying pace. But the flying fullback also led the NRL in errors last season - and that is what the club is wary of. "He does everything really quick - that's his strength but it's also his weakness," assistant coach Lee Briers told the BBC league podcast. "As we know the older you get, the game slows down on you. "We're not trying to slow his head down, but slow his feet down a bit so when he's got the ball he can make decisions a little easier. "With Reece it's all 100mph so he has to make them decisions at 100mph, if we can just pull him back a bit then - because his football brain is awesome. "He just thinks really quick and wants to move on quicker than anybody else and sometimes you just have to pull him back, pull him back and then let him go on the weekend… he's an absolute superstar." Walsh's error rate has dropped markedly this season, so the Broncos may well have found the secret to getting the best out of their pocket rocket.

Broncos superstar hits back at $5.5m deal reports

Brisbane wunderkind Reece Walsh has hit back at reports he's signed a $5.5 million extension at Red Hill. The details ran in a News Corp story on Tuesday night, claiming Walsh was set to become the highest paid player in the club's history. Anthony Milford became the Broncos' first $1m-a-year player when he signed a lucrative deal in 2015 - the year he went within a whisker of winning an NRL grand final with the team. But no player has pocketed $1.1m a season from the club. While Walsh may still become the first to do so, he took to Instagram on Tuesday night to deny a deal has been done. "Don't believe everything you read," he posted. "No deal has been signed. "I'm doing me... I'll let you know when something happens." Walsh then joked, "Someone give Kev (Broncos coach Kevin Walters) my number... he's lost it I think". Earning $1.1m a year would put Walsh among the highest paid players in the game, although still a ways behind his rival for the Queensland No.1 jumper - Kalyn Ponga. Ponga is the best paid in the NRL at $1.4m a season. Walsh is sidelined for at least a month after suffering a facial fracture on Thursday night. He cemented himself as one of the best fullbacks in the game last year when he won an Origin series with Queensland, and almost a premiership with Brisbane. Fellow young gun teammate Ezra Mam inked a lucrative extension in February which ties him to Red Hill until the end of 2029. The Broncos have arguably the most star-studded young list in the competition. The likes of Patrick Carrigan, Mam, Deine Mariner, Brendan Piakura, Jordan Riki, and Payne Haas have already committed for several years to come. The Broncos next face the Cowboys on Friday.

Nightmare for Broncos as Walsh fracture confirmed

In a huge blow for the Brisbane Broncos, star fullback Reece Walsh suffered a facial fracture on Thursday night. The club on Friday revealed the gun fullback's injury after he collided with Taylan May against the Panthers early in the game. While Walsh passed his concussion tests, his left eye closed up badly and he was advised not to go back on the field. After scans later revealed the fracture Walsh had to be driven home to Brisbane from Sydney, and now faces weeks on the sideline," Broncos head of performance Dave Ballard said. "Reece was taken to hospital last night after we arrived back at the team hotel and underwent a CT scan which showed a facial fracture. "As a result, he cannot fly home and is being driven back up to Brisbane today by our staff. "We will be able to determine how much footy Reece will miss once the injury settles down and after we consult a specialist in coming days." Vision showed blood quickly gushing from a large cut under Walsh's left eye as he was rushed into the sheds. "He's just been opened up," Brad Fittler said in commentary for Nine. May was penalised and put on report for the late hit, however the referee's decision split pundits. Broncos assistant coach Matt Ballin confirmed at the main break that Walsh would not return. "He copped a fair whack in the head and he won't be back," Ballin told Nine. Walsh's injury couldn't have come at a worse time for the Broncos, who trailed by 20 points at half time. and ended up losing the game badly. Despite the blow, Ballin said it was a great test of the Broncos' character. "There's a lot of belief. It's a good test for us, testing our resolve in this second half," he said. The Broncos struggled without Walsh's speed out the back, succumbing to the reigning premiers 34-12.

Broncos legend serves Walsh brutal reality check

Former Broncos skipper Corey Parker has thrown down the gauntlet to superstar Reece Walsh, declaring the fullback ace "hasn't done anything yet" in the lead-up to Sunday's clash with the Roosters in Las Vegas. Parker is a huge Walsh fan but believes the try-scoring ace still needs to prove himself at the elite level – starting with the historic clash against the Roosters. "There is no doubt that Reece has lit up the NRL, but there are still some errors in his game at times," Parker told Wide World of Sports. "I've had a lot to do with him since he was 15 and always knew he was a special talent. "But really, he is still a kid and now has a huge target on his back. "He's got a Harry Styles-like following, but to me he still hasn't done anything yet compared to what he is capable of." Parker played 347 matches for the Broncos between 2001-2016. He was skipper in 2016 – the 16th and final final season of his career. "I'm excited to see what he has learned from last year, particularly the grand final, which was so painful for all the Broncos," Parker said. "On top of that, they have lost some real quality players and it's up to the young guys in the Broncos team like Reece to step up and fill the void." Parker won't be in Las Vegas for the weekend extravaganza but will still play his part in the historic double header. "I'm hosting a 'Viva non-Vegas' party at Sydney's Star City for all those people who couldn't make the trip over," he said. "It's free entry and should be a great afternoon's entertainment watching the games on the casino's big screens. "There will be other personalities there mingling with the fans and I can't wait."

'No-frills big men' colossal for Broncos

It was the big names who got all of the credit for the Broncos' drought-breaking 26-0 win over the Storm in the finals opener on Friday night - and rightly so. Reece Walsh, Pat Carrigan, Kotoni Staggs and Adam Reynolds were superb.But the secret weapons that gave the Broncos the impetus to dominate Melbourne for much of the game were two little-known forwards on the bench who added enthusiasm and drive when they came off the pine.No-frills big men Keenan Palasia and Kobe Hetherington hit the Storm with a one-two punch when they were already reeling on the ropes.The two went for 33 runs between them, coming up with an enormous 293 metres.

Joey drops $1.5 million price tag on Broncos gun

Will anyone be able to stop Reece Walsh in the final series?The Broncos fullback is in such red hot form that it's hard to see anyone containing him in the big games.And with Payne Haas making the metres up front and Adam Reynolds (who was missing in the 29-18 win over the Raiders) steering the ship, the Broncos have the perfect men to lay the platform for the speedy fullback.Walsh was a joy to watch in Canberra, scoring a try, laying on two others and making two line break assists.He finished the night with a leg injury - and that may be the only thing that slows him down come finals time.

Broncos Become Most Potent

Do the Broncos have the most potent backline in the NRL? They certainly looked it as they outgunned one of the more fancied backlines in the game in dismantling South Sydney 36-20 at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Friday night.With Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam calling the shots in the halves and the speed of Selwyn Cobbo, Herbie Farnworth, Reece Walsh and Kotoni Staggs out wide, the Broncos ooze pace and tryscroring clout from anywhere on the field.With the forwards doing their job, the Broncos are the real deal and look set to return the club to the glory days in coming seasons - if not in 2023.

Draw in Epic Fullback Battle

Brilliant fullbacks Kalyn Ponga (Knights) and Reece Walsh (Broncos) produced a duel for the ages in Saturday night's epic clash in Brisbane.The Knights were the better team for much of the game but the Broncos' firepower got them home in the end for a late 24-20 victory.But it was the battle between Queensland's 2022 fullback and Queensland's 2023 fullback that was the highlight of a classic.Both ran for more than 200 metres, with Walsh producing two try assists, a linebreak and a try-saving tackle.Not to be outdone, Ponga scored a great solo try and made two linebreaks.Who won the duel? I'd call it a draw - but both can hold their heads high after coming up with some breathtaking football.