Reece Walsh shines in Broncos return in 24-all draw with Titans

Liam O'Loughlin

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Reece Walsh shines in Broncos return in 24-all draw with Titans image

Reece Walsh has starred in his return to the Broncos - but he didn't do enough to get his side over the line against the Titans. 

The 20-year-old has had a rocky few years, leaving Brisbane for a chance at the Warriors, before seeking an early release to return home this year and link up with his former club.

In the final trial on the first weekend of the inaugural NRL Pre-Season Challenge, Walsh lined up at fullback for the Broncos and was electric in the 24-all draw with the local rivals.

Walsh finished with one try, two linebreaks, five tackle breaks and 114 run metres in a scintillating display, putting the competition on notice and showing he could potentially be the final piece in Brisbane's premiership puzzle.

MORE: NRL Week 1 Trial Results | Every NRL club's most debated position for 2023

The talented speedster also kicked one of the most spectacular sideline conversions ever during the entertaining trial game. 

Walsh is expected to grab the No.1 role for the 2023 season, with young gun Ezra Mam and experienced pivot Adam Reynolds set to line up in the halves.

Speaking to the Broncos website after the trial, Walsh said he was looking forward to continuing to improve on his first-up effort and grow his leadership skills at Red Hill. 

“It’s obviously good to be back in the colours," he said.

"It was good to get the lungs blowing and get out there to have a hit-out with the boys. I’m pretty happy with how I performed – there are a couple of things I’ve got to sharpen up. 

“It’s good to go up against some opposition in full-contact footy, I enjoyed it out there.

“Last time I put on the Broncos jersey was a few years ago now and I’m back now. I’ve got to keep growing as a person and a player and I feel like I am taking steps in the right direction.

"I’ve got a lot of good people around me who can do that, so I’ve just got to keep working hard and that’s what I’m going to continue to do.

“The position I’m playing, obviously a big part is talking and directing the boys and helping out Reyno and whoever is in the side.

"Later down the track, that [leadership] is something I’d be interested in but at the moment, I’m still young and I’ve still got a lot of games to go...I will continue to work hard for the boys around me."

Brisbane will take on the Cowboys in their second pre-season game on Saturday night, before facing defending premiers Penrith in the opening round of their NRL campaign. 

Liam O'Loughlin

Liam O'Loughlin Photo

Liam has been with The Sporting News since 2019, helping lead both NRL and cricket content, as well as delving into the world of combat sports and NFL. A true rugby league tragic, he has spent the past 20 years playing, coaching and volunteering for his beloved junior club, Penshurst RSL. 

Away from work, Liam has a lifelong passion for all things pro wrestling and has travelled abroad to attend showcase events for WWE, AEW and NJPW.