NRL: Reece Walsh signs new Broncos deal
By JOEL GOULD
Brisbane’s Indigenous star Reece Walsh has inked a four-year extension as he outlines why he is ready to lead a premiership challenge under new coach Michael Maguire.
The 22-year-old was already on the Broncos’ books until 2025 but they have moved to keep the Queensland representative off the market and give new coach Michael Maguire the best news since officially taking charge last week.
Walsh was a major factor in Brisbane’s run to the 2023 grand final and made his State of Origin debut that same year for Queensland in a 2-1 series win.
The 2024 season was disrupted with Walsh knocked out twice and missing multiple matches, before suffering a broken hand at the end of the year as the Broncos faded to finish 12th.
He played just 14 games and, like the majority of his teammates, was unable to get any continuity in his play.
Walsh has already been doing his own training at Broncos HQ in anticipation of a tough pre-season under Maguire which will begin with the first team run on Monday.
“As a player you want to win and being a part of the Broncos that is expected. It’s a massive club with amazing members and fans, and amazing people working at the club as well … so you’re playing for more than just yourself.
“We didn’t have the best year last year and we are all looking forward to getting back in and working really hard for each other and getting the Broncos back to where the club deserves to be.”
Walsh played two seasons with the Warriors but is a product of the Broncos academy system which has produced so many of the current crop.
He said signing his new deal was always his intention, given his history and long-held allegiances.
“I’ve wanted to play for the Broncos since I was a little kid, so I’m just really excited to be here and looking forward to getting into pre-season,” he said.
“I want to be someone who works hard, someone who brings success, someone who helps bring premierships to this great club, but first of all I’ve got to be a good person off the field.”
AAP