Brisbane Broncos planning bid for New Zealand Warriors phenom Reece Walsh. Video / NZ herald
The Warriors are unconcerned by the Broncos' reported efforts to lure teen sensation Reece Walsh back to Brisbane.
According to the Courier Mail, the Broncos are discussing a long-range bid for the teenager, hoping to woo him back to Red Hill, after his dramatic switch to the Warriors in March.
The gun fullback is contracted to the Auckland club until the end of 2024, though the report suggests the Broncos could look to target Walsh from November 1 next year, as the final year of his deal includes a player option in his favour.
But Warriors recruitment manager Peter O'Sullivan was quick to clarify the situation, saying it is not as cut and dried as it has been portrayed.
"It's not quite right," O'Sullivan told the Herald. "He has got two more years, then a complicated welfare option. It's not a player option as such. It is pretty watertight."
O'Sullivan said the clause was inserted during negotiations, out of respect to Walsh's situation at the time.
"He was 18 when he signed, with a partner and a little baby (his daughter, Leila) about to be born," said O'Sullivan. "It was a big step to move to New Zealand – a country he had never been to - so it was a little bit of peace of mind, should there be any extensive family welfare issues. It's our job as a club to make sure that is not the case.
"Most people when they get to New Zealand love it, so we don't see it being an issue down the track. It is an option in good faith and I don't see it being a problem."
Exactly when Walsh will need to relocate across the Tasman remains to be seen, as the Warriors are preparing to start next season based in Australia, as reported by the Herald earlier this week.
Reece Walsh in action against the Bulldogs. Photo / Photosport
But regardless of that uncertainty, O'Sullivan is convinced that Walsh will be the long-term custodian at the club.
Like everyone, he has been extremely impressed with the way the 19-year-old has settled into his role.
After making a massive impact in a handful of games – which saw him selected for the second State of Origin match – Walsh endured some difficult weeks, with injury, suspension and some tough defeats.
But he has been integral to the Warriors' recent revival, with a series of mature performances belying his age. His numbers are staggering. Across only 13 games, Walsh has the most tries (nine) and the most line-breaks (13) at the club, while only Kodi Nikorima (14) has more try assists than his 10.
He still has some raw edges to his game, but it's difficult to remember another Warriors teenager adapting so quickly to the NRL, aside from icons like Stacey Jones and Simon Mannering.
That's why other clubs will be circling, but the deck is still stacked in the Warriors' favour.
"The worst-case scenario is that he has two more years with us [after 2021]," said O'Sullivan. "[But] we would be looking to extend that contract way before that time."
Warriors recruitment boss Peter O'Sullivan is confident the club will hold on to Reece Walsh. Photo / Photosport
O'Sullivan plans to sit down with Walsh and his management team early next season to discuss an extension.
Despite the Broncos' slated interest – with coach Kevin Walters admitting this week they would love to have him back at some stage – O'Sullivan isn't concerned.
"Why would we be worried?" said O'Sullivan. "He has come to a club that has welcomed him with open arms and given him his shot, when the other club told him he wasn't ready.
"He's 'happy as Larry', the boys love him, he loves the boys and his family have settled in great."
Reece Walsh is being targeted by the Broncos, according to Australian reports. Photo / Photosport
Walsh faces one of the biggest NRL tests of his short career on Sunday, facing the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium (6pm).
He will be a major focus of attention but has previously demonstrated his ability to find his best despite significant hype and pressure.
