Reece Walsh Returns With a Bang After Injury, Sparks Brisbane Broncos and Eyes Maroons Call-Up
Brisbane Broncos fullback Reece Walsh made a spectacular comeback from injury on Saturday night, turning what had been a frustrating seven-week layoff into a launching pad for a dazzling return to form. In Brisbane’s emphatic 44–14 victory over the Gold Coast Titans, Walsh showed why he’s still one of the most exciting talents in the NRL, delivering a commanding performance that has surely caught the attention of Queensland State of Origin coach Billy Slater.
Walsh was instrumental from the outset, igniting the Broncos’ attack with a pinpoint 25-metre spiral pass to set up the game’s first try. He later crossed the line twice himself, scoring two late tries that highlighted his speed, footwork, and instinctive positioning. It was a statement game from the 22-year-old, who had been sidelined with a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury that caused him to miss the past six rounds—and more significantly, forced him out of Game I of this year’s State of Origin series, which the Maroons lost 18–6.
Having held the fullback jersey during the previous Origin series, Walsh had to watch from the sidelines as Kalyn Ponga filled in for the series opener. While the timing of his return likely means he won’t be rushed into Game II in Perth, Walsh remains hopeful that he can still contribute to Queensland’s campaign in some capacity.
“As a Queenslander, that’s always the dream—to wear that Maroons jersey,” Walsh said after the match. “If Billy [Slater] needs me in the squad for anything at all, I’ll be ready. If not, I’ll still be backing the boys all the way from home.”
Despite missing more than a month and a half of football, Walsh used the time off productively. Away from the weekly grind of matches, he focused on sharpening his skills and reassessing his game, taking a step back to better understand how to elevate his performance. That mental reset appeared to pay off immediately against the Titans, where his decision-making and overall game awareness seemed far more refined compared to the start of the season.
“It feels really good to be back,” he said. “Having that time away from the game helped me recharge. I got to focus on the finer points of my game—just working on my skills and refining my craft. Out there tonight, it felt really natural. But I know I’ve still got plenty to work on. I’m not the finished product yet.”
Walsh admitted that his early-season form didn’t reflect the hard work he’d put in during a strong pre-season. The extended break gave him a chance to review those performances and identify areas for improvement.
“I had a lot of time to think about how I started the year,” he added. “I came in off the back of a good pre-season, but things didn’t go the way I wanted. Tonight was just one step forward. I’ve got to keep reviewing my performances and growing where I can.”
Brisbane skipper Adam Reynolds, who celebrated his 300th NRL game in the win, had nothing but praise for Walsh’s impact—both in his on-field explosiveness and off-ball efforts.
“He’s such an important part of our side,” Reynolds said. “Everyone knows what he brings with the ball—he’s got that X-factor. But it’s the work he does without the ball that sometimes gets overlooked, and that’s just as important. Having him back out there lifts the whole group.”
For Walsh, Reynolds’ milestone match was non-negotiable. He wasn’t going to miss it, even though he had a minor setback in training the week prior that could have delayed his return.
“There was no way I was sitting this one out,” Walsh said with a smile. “I was trying to convince the coaches last week to let me play. I kept telling them to just let me get out there. I had a little hiccup in training, but I was determined to play in Reyno’s 300th.”
The young fullback did cop a knock to his knee during the game, which momentarily raised concerns considering his recent PCL injury. However, he quickly reassured fans and coaching staff that it was nothing serious.
“I just jammed it a bit, which is pretty normal with PCL injuries,” Walsh explained. “I got caught awkwardly in a tackle, but the knee’s still strong and holding up well. I think I managed it just fine.”
Fortunately for both Walsh and the Broncos, the team heads into a scheduled bye week, giving him additional time to rest and manage any lingering discomfort.
“I’m lucky we’ve got the bye coming up,” he said. “It gives me a chance to really look after the knee and make sure I’m 100 percent.”
Walsh’s electric return not only helped his team to a dominant win but also sent a clear message to Queensland selectors: he’s fit, focused, and ready to make an impact if called upon. Whether or not that call comes for Game II, there’s no doubt that Reece Walsh is once again a key figure in Brisbane’s premiership campaign—and potentially in the Maroons’ plans moving forward.
The young star’s growth, maturity, and determination were all on full display against the Titans, and if this performance is anything to go by, his time away from the game might have been just what he needed to reignite a special season.
