The Brisbane Broncos have addressed recent claims by cricket legend Ian Healy regarding Reece Walsh’s absence from last weekend’s game against the Dolphins, which marked the end of their season. According to the Broncos, Healy’s assertion that Walsh did not have permission to skip the match is incorrect. Walsh, who has been sidelined for a month due to a hand fracture, was not present at Suncorp Stadium for the Broncos’ heavy 40-6 defeat to the Dolphins, which officially ended their chances of making the finals.
Typically, Walsh would attend games even while injured, but he was absent on Saturday. The Broncos clarified that Walsh was granted permission by coach Kevin Walters to stay home and focus on his recovery while spending time with his family. The club emphasized that Healy’s comments, which suggested the coaching staff was unaware of Walsh’s whereabouts, were inaccurate.
Healy, on Wednesday morning, had reported on SEN radio in Queensland that the Broncos’ coaching staff seemed uninformed about Walsh’s absence and implied that such an absence without proper authorization would be unacceptable. However, following the Broncos’ clarification, Healy later revised his statement, acknowledging that Walsh’s absence had indeed been approved but noted that the communication may not have been fully conveyed to all involved parties.
Additionally, Walsh was initially included in the Broncos’ 20-man squad for a potential return against the Melbourne Storm on Thursday night. However, with the team’s season now over, the club has decided it is best to avoid risking his return in the final game.
Walsh’s 2024 season has been challenging. After a standout performance in 2023, he struggled with several injuries this year, including a facial fracture, a severe concussion during State of Origin 1, and a knee issue, culminating in his current hand fracture.
