After weeks sidelined with a PCL injury, Reece Walsh made a triumphant return to the Brisbane Broncos, playing a crucial role in their dominant 44-14 win over the Gold Coast Titans. His presence was not only timely but electric, helping lift his side while also marking a significant milestone for captain Adam Reynolds, who celebrated his 300th NRL appearance.
Walsh had been itching to return earlier, revealing he was pushing hard to rejoin the squad before this round. Despite a small training setback, he was adamant about not missing this key match.
“I was trying to make a comeback last week,” Walsh admitted. “I kept telling the coaches to just let me play. I had a minor mishap during training, but I was never going to miss this game.”
And he didn’t disappoint. In a show of immediate impact, Walsh delivered a precision long ball that led to Gehamat Shibasaki scoring the opening try—one of eight for the Broncos that night. It was a welcome return to form, not just for the player but for the team that has been without his spark since Round 7.
Broncos coach Michael Maguire acknowledged Walsh’s influence post-match, saying his return added a much-needed boost of energy and creativity.
“Over the past few months, I knew getting Reece and Ezra [Mam] back would change things,” Maguire said. “When you spot a line break or something starting to happen, those two are usually right there. It’s great to have that kind of presence back in the team.”
Maguire praised Walsh for not just his playmaking but also the infectious energy he brings on and off the ball. That dynamism was evident all night, especially in the latter stages when Walsh capped off the match with two tries in quick succession.
Though clearly thrilled to be back, Walsh spoke candidly about how the injury break provided an opportunity to reassess and recharge. The time away from the game, he said, allowed him to reset mentally and work on improving his craft.
“It actually turned out to be a bit of a blessing,” Walsh reflected. “I had a solid preseason but didn’t start the year how I wanted. This time off gave me the chance to reflect and reset.”
He added, “Tonight was just one game, and while it felt great to be out there, I know there’s a lot of work ahead. I’ve been focusing on my skills, and I felt pretty natural out on the field.”
Despite looking comfortable for most of the game, there was a concerning moment when Walsh appeared to grimace in pain while attempting a sidestep. It seemed he might have aggravated his knee again, but those fears were quickly put to rest when he followed it up with back-to-back tries that sealed the emphatic win for Brisbane.
“Just jarred it a bit,” Walsh explained afterward. “That’s pretty normal with a PCL. I landed awkwardly, but everything still feels strong and stable.”
With the Broncos heading into a bye week, Walsh will have some extra time to rest and continue managing the injury. “We’ve got a break now, so I’ll be able to give it the proper care it needs,” he said.
As for his chances of returning to the State of Origin arena with Queensland, Walsh remains hopeful but realistic. Having played just one match since coming back, it’s unlikely he’ll be named immediately, but he’s keeping his fingers crossed.
“The fire to represent Queensland is still very much alive,” Walsh said with a smile. “When you’re a Queenslander, that’s what you live for. If Billy [Slater] needs me, I’ll be ready. But if not, I’ll still be cheering the boys on from home.”
Coach Billy Slater is expected to announce his Queensland squad on Monday morning. With Walsh having missed six games before his return, he may be deemed short on match fitness, but his performance against the Titans will undoubtedly keep him in the selection conversation.
Meanwhile, it was a night to remember for Adam Reynolds, whose 300th NRL game added extra motivation for the Broncos. The veteran halfback was instrumental throughout, guiding the team with precision and celebrating the milestone in style.
The combination of a rejuvenated Walsh and a composed Reynolds gave the Broncos a formidable edge, one that saw them dominate both territory and possession throughout the match. With key players returning and their offensive rhythm finding its groove, Brisbane now looks more like the premiership contenders many predicted at the start of the season.
They’ll now enjoy a week off before taking on the Cronulla Sharks at home in Round 16. With momentum building and injured stars returning to full health, the Broncos appear well-placed to make a strong push in the second half of the season.
For Walsh, the focus remains on continuous improvement and maintaining his health. While his performance was impressive, he was quick to downplay the hype, emphasizing the need for ongoing discipline and honesty in self-review.
“I’m still a work in progress,” he said. “It’s about staying honest with myself, reviewing my game closely, and just getting better where I can.”
And if this performance is anything to go by, Reece Walsh is well on his way to making a major impact for Brisbane and potentially Queensland once again.
