Birth of the Broncos whiz kid: moment Walsh became No.1
Joel Gould |
A brilliant second half on a cold winter’s night in Wynnum seven years ago catapulted Reece Walsh towards the dazzling player he is today.
Everyone starts somewhere and for the Brisbane whiz kid it was his response to a half-time speech by Keebra Park High School coach Glen Campbell that set in motion a penchant for owning the big moments and not shying away from pressure.
The 23-year-old runs out at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday against Penrith in the grand-final qualifier supremely confident after his richest vein of form revived the once 11th-placed Broncos to the cusp of glory.
Campbell recalls a game on August 14, 2018 at Kougari Oval in a Langer Trophy quarter-final against St Mary’s College where Walsh, in Year 10, inspired a 34-16 win after the side lost key players to injury at halftime.
“Reece was in Grade 10, new into the side and one of the youngest but that night he made a real statement that launched his career,” Campbell said.
“At halftime I said, ‘this is such an important role playing fullback and it is time to step up. You need to be able to take this game by the scruff of the neck and inject yourself’. He scored a try and set up three after I told him I was counting on him.
“It was the match that spring-boarded him the next year into the Australian Schoolboys jersey in Grade 11 and into a Broncos (development) contract.
“He thrives on being the centre of attention. That’s just who he is.
“Reece likes to dictate, control and be the go-to person to win games and he likes it when you tell him.”
Walsh had a rocky start to the 2025 season, got injured and has returned in the form of his life with 10 tries, 17 try assists and 71 tackle busts in 12 matches. In the majority of them he has been the best player on the field.
“Someone has got hold of him and said, ‘we are relying on you in a senior role but you have to calm down and pick your moments’,” Campbell said.
“He has said, ‘I can do this’ and he has kept himself calm and got results.
“If he can continue on this path you can see how great he could be.”
Walsh revealed he had found a balance off the field since returning from injury. Away from footy he has switched off and enjoyed family time. He also looked in the mirror and realised he couldn’t blame anyone else for not being at his best.
“I think it came down to me to be honest. I probably wasn’t myself and was doing some uncharacteristic things,” he said.
“I got some good time to reflect when I had that injury and my mindset changed around some things. I feel like I was the one who wasn’t unlocking myself. I am really excited for the weekend and looking forward to versing the best.”
Walsh has cut down on his errors by realising why they happen and how he can stop them.
“People look at errors. I just look at it as that’s a part of the game. There’s two reasons,” he sad.
“If there’s errors, it’s either execution or something wasn’t on.
“I’ve just got to fall back to my job and what the boys need me to do. It might be kick the ball, it might be pass the ball, or it might be … just sit back and let someone else do it. I think it’s just trying to find the balance.”
AAP
