Reece Walsh of the Warriors warms up before the start of the round 12 NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the New Zealand Warriors. Photo / Getty Images.
Reece Walsh of the Warriors warms up before the start of the round 12 NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the New Zealand Warriors. Photo / Getty Images.
Reece Walsh is committed to the Warriors, despite the rumoured interest from the Broncos in their former player.
According to Australian reports, the Brisbane club have had internal discussions about luring Walsh back to the Queensland capital, with a long-term plan to have him as their fullback.
The 19-year-old hasthree years remaining on his Warriors contract, with the final year as a player option.
That could technically mean the fullback could choose to go elsewhere for the 2024 season, though that section of his contract is not a standard player option, but one that was put in place for welfare reasons (when it was assumed that Walsh and young family would be relocating to New Zealand) and has stringent welfare clauses attached to it.
Walsh has fitted in well at the Warriors and has a sense of loyalty to the club that took a chance on him.
He confirmed that he was only focused on developing his career with the Warriors, dismissing any reports of Broncos' interest.
"I didn't really read too much about that stuff," said Walsh. "I'm just focusing on being here at the Warriors and I am here for the next three years, so I am pretty keen on that. I am really enjoying my time here and I don't really read into too much of what is being said outside. I'm here for the next three years."
In a difficult season, Walsh has been a bright spot. There have been ups and downs, but he has still made a remarkable impact, given his age, background and lack of senior football.
Walsh has a lot to learn, but can also do things that can't be taught, and his return of nine tries and 14 line breaks (best at the club) along with 11 try assists (second to Kodi Nikorima) tells a story.
Reece Walsh of the Warriors shows his frustration during the round 17 NRL match between the Cronulla Sharks and the New Zealand Warriors. Photo / Photosport.co.nz
Asked for his 2021 highlight, he nominates his NRL debut.
"To come to the Warriors and a week or two later be pulling on the jersey and playing first grade, with a lot of players that I had looked up too," said Walsh, "That is pretty crazy. I love this club and I love where we are going."
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck stepped aside to allow Walsh to play that night in Melbourne, and the former captain remains a mentor, despite leaving the club in July.
"We have kept in touch," said Walsh. "I have messaged him a couple of times. He sent me a really nice message after that Broncos game. It was a tough one, pretty personal for me; I didn't have the best night and he was one of the first people to message me and tell me to keep my head high, keep working hard, [that] we want those moments. It's pretty special and it shows the person that he is to stay in touch and be close."
Walsh admits it will be a weird feeling on Monday, with the players in limbo in Queensland, still unsure of their pre-season and 2022 base.
"There is nothing we can do, we are not getting any special treatment, [so] all we can do is stick together and stay strong," said Walsh. "Try to live here and make it as normal as we can."
Reece Walsh. Photo / Photosport.co.nz
Walsh admits there could be an upside, with some bonding time for the players and their families, but there will also need to be a definite demarcation once the season is over.
"We don't want to make it like a camp or anything like that, too much footy doesn't sit well with too many people."
Before that the Warriors face the Titans on Sunday (4pm), a special game for Walsh, who grew up in the Gold Coast suburb of Nerang.
"It's pretty crazy," said Walsh. "[To be] back home, playing the local team, it is going to be pretty awesome. We want to end the season on a high. We will go out there and have a good crack."
