Following Reece Walsh and the Brisbane Broncos’ failure to make the NRL finals in 2024—just a year after coming heartbreakingly close to winning the premiership—the team is facing intense scrutiny. The Broncos, who seemed to be on the brink of securing the trophy in the 2023 grand final, were ultimately defeated by Nathan Cleary’s spectacular comeback.
Many observers expected that Kevin Walters’ squad would channel the disappointment of their near-miss into a strong performance for the 2024 season, with several pre-season predictions favoring the Broncos for the premiership. However, the season has turned out to be a disappointment, with the Broncos missing the finals for the third time in four years.
A prevailing theory within the NRL community is that the players’ rising egos, fueled by excessive media attention and popularity, may have been a contributing factor to their underperformance. Former Wallaby Greg Martin criticized the players on Triple M radio, accusing them of being more concerned with their social media presence than their on-field contributions.
Injuries have certainly impacted the Broncos’ 2024 campaign, with key players like Walsh, Adam Reynolds, Payne Haas, and Ezra Mam all suffering significant setbacks. Nonetheless, there is a belief that the players’ inflated sense of self-worth, driven by their heightened fame over the past two years, has affected their performance.
Reece Walsh, in particular, has become a highly visible figure in Brisbane. The Broncos have had to employ security to manage the throngs of fans attending training sessions, and Walsh is frequently asked for selfies, especially from young female admirers. His rising popularity has led to reports of fans going to great lengths to meet him, including waiting at his vehicle with gifts.
Walsh’s popularity is such that he now boasts a larger Instagram following than the official Broncos account, earning comparisons to celebrities like Justin Bieber for his influence and appeal. His overwhelming popularity has led to challenges for both him and the team, as highlighted by Walsh’s recent plea for more respectful interactions from fans.
Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy acknowledged the difficulties the club faces in managing the increased attention and pressure. He emphasized the need for the club to create an environment where players and staff can thrive despite the external pressures. Donaghy stressed the importance of mental resilience and hinted at future investments in this area to support the team.
Former Storm legend Cameron Smith commented that the Broncos struggled to handle the added pressure of being a prominent target, while Matty Johns drew parallels to the Newcastle Knights’ experience in 1995. The Knights had a standout year, but their subsequent decline in 1996 was attributed to becoming complacent. However, they eventually bounced back and secured their first premiership in 1997.
Whether the Broncos can emulate the Knights’ recovery and regain their form for the 2025 season remains to be seen.
