The $5 million fullback is pushing to make his NRL return on Saturday night.
Reece Walsh has reportedly suffered a ‘minor’ setback at Broncos training as he pushes for a return from a knee injury this weekend. Walsh hasn’t played since Round 7 when he suffered an MCL injury against the Warriors.
The timeline for his return was put at 4-6 weeks, and this weekend will mark six weeks since the injury. The Broncos are expected to name Walsh on Tuesday in their squad to take on Manly on Saturday night, but his return has been thrown into doubt.
According to The Courier Mail, Walsh suffered a slight setback at training on Monday and reported some soreness in the knee. His return would be a huge boost for a Broncos side that has lost five of their last six games, but coach Michael Maguire might opt to play it safe with his $5 million fullback.
Despite not being in the greatest form before the injury, Walsh’s presence would no doubt be boost for a side struggling on confidence. Selwyn Cobbo, who’s been filling in for Walsh at fullback, will revert back to the wing against the Sea Eagles if Walsh is fit.
Cobbo was cleared of a fracture after injuring his wrist against the Dragons in Round 11, and is expected to play against Manly. He was controversially left out of Billy Slater’s Queensland team for State of Origin 1, with Robert Toia getting the nod instead.
Reece Walsh’s off-field dramas ahead of NRL return
Walsh’s possible return comes after he was ordered to make a donation to charity over a video of him punching a friend in the head. The Broncos finalised an ‘investigation’ into the video last week, which showed Walsh punching a friend in the head at a social gathering while wearing a boxing glove.
The Broncos were left fuming that Walsh had chosen to post the video on social media, before he later deleted it. The club felt it was a poor look, especially in light of how bad the team is going on the field.
Walsh met with Broncos management last Wednesday to explain himself, and was ordered to apologise and make a donation to mental health charity the Black Dog Institute. “We don’t support violence and stuff like that,” Walsh said. “But obviously it’s not a good look for myself and that was all, trying to have a laugh and a good time with friends.”
Kevin Walters’ truth bomb for Reece Walsh
Discussing the issue on Triple M radio, Walsh’s former coach Kevin Walters said the 22-year-old needed to be aware that anything posted on social media has the potential to cause backlash. “Just be more sensitive to the environment you’re in,” said Walters, who was sacked by the Broncos at the end of last year.
There’s cameras everywhere these days. Put your camera away Reece, particularly with the situation the Broncos are in at the moment (not winning). Everywhere they turn there’s trouble.”
Former South Sydney coach and Broncos assistant Jason Demetriou added: “There’d be no TikTok account, no YouTube channel, no half a million followers without the Brisbane Broncos and without rugby league. Have a little bit of understanding of what comes with that.
I’m a huge admirer of Reece Walsh – not only as a young man and a young father – but read the room mate. You’re in the position you’re in because of what the game has given you, and be a bit more careful when you’re posting things. And I’m sure he will be.”
